Sir Bob wants local leaders but warns against insularity
Kerslake: We need new-style council leaders
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The head of the Homes and Communities Agency has called for a new brand of local authority leadership to drive housing and regeneration projects.
Council leaders should establish a more comprehensive approach that goes beyond the delivery of services, HCA chief executive Sir Bob Kerslake told a Birmingham conference.
‘There is now an opportunity to establish a new form of civic leadership that has both the powerful role for local government,’ he added. ‘Travelling around the country, I observe the growing confidence of local leadership and a strong ambition to improve their place.’
But Sir Bob warned council leaders that focusing on their local area should not be allowed to become a weakness. ‘Parochialism means that places often don’t set their ambitions high enough and don’t make the most of collaborative partnerships with their neighbours, which are crucial in key agendas such as the economy,’ he said.
‘Delivery of housing must take place in a wider context. It must be in communities which are sustainable, where housing is affordable, in communities which have been renewed and which have the strength to grow.’
Readers' comments (2)
Alan Savage | Tue, 4 Aug 2009 10:50 GMT
Kite flying! I suppose the Homes and Communities Agency have got to conjure up something to fill their time with at these conferences.
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Jim Paton | Wed, 5 Aug 2009 01:26 GMT
Yes, and "improve their place" is the sort of code language used for what usually turns out to be bits of tatty corporatist vandalism nobody wants.
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