Local Government Minister Brandon Lewis with his series celebrating excellence in out Town Halls
This week's Champion Council is Lewes District Council. After coming under Conservative control at the beginning of last year, following 18 years of Liberal Democrat administration, the council has undergone a number of major changes to get the council working in a more efficient way for the benefit of residents. By using innovative methods and working in partnership with external agencies, Lewes District Council are creating jobs and growth for local people. Some examples of their recent projects are:
Lewes District Council are yet another example of Conservative Councils going the extra mile to encourage outside investment to their area, to the benefit of local people.
I am sometimes asked what more we can also in in Whitehall and that is a fair question. At DCLG we are sharing: As part of the Department's continued commitment to value for money, it currently shares two
senior staff with other Departments—the director for internal audit is shared with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills; and the deputy director for property asset management is shared with the
Department for Education.
Sir Bob Kerslake also combines his role as Permanent Secretary of the Department with that of Head of the Civil Service.
Also our department has facilitated the sharing of services for audit and estates functions with other Whitehall Departments and IT services with the Planning Inspectorate and is moving towards a shared service for legal advice. In addition we buy common commodities (travel, stationery and training for instance) with other Departments using centrally negotiated agreements. Beyond these arrangements the Department utilises central 'framework' agreements operated by the Government Procurement Service for services including consultancy and interim services.
Remember, If you know of a particularly impressive scheme run by a local authority, please let me know.