LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Streamlining Efficiency: A Unified Software Solution for Local Councils

We envision a future where Local Authorities are at the forefront of community development, empowered to drive positive change and shape our nation's policies and infrastructure, free from budgetary constraints.

Over the years, collaboration with many of the UK's 153 Local Authorities has revealed a significant obstacle to operational efficiency: the disparate array of software systems employed across departments. Currently, each Local Authority utilises a unique combination of software for Accounting, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Content Management (CMS), Marketing & Communications, Timekeeping, and Scheduling.

A Unified Software System for all Local Authorities.

This standardisation aims to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster better collaboration across regions. By adopting a single, integrated platform, Local Authorities can streamline processes, improve data sharing, and ultimately deliver more consistent and effective services to the public in a fraction of the time, and with minimal effort and error.

Empowering People to Self-Govern:
Introducing General Public Committees (GPC’s)

Take Control Of Your Life:

Join Your Local GPC We believe in the power of the people to shape their communities and hold their councils accountable. That's why we propose the establishment of a General Public Committee (GPC) in every borough, inviting members of the public to actively participate in local governance.

Members of the public would be invited to join the GPC for their respective borough.

Each committee would be responsible for ensuring their councils are fulfilling their duties, that budgets are being spent appropriately, and that there is no conflict of interest when it comes to development, investment, or planning.

Committees would also be responsible for handling any and all complaints made against their Local Authority and its members.

As a GPC member, you will have a crucial role in ensuring transparency, fairness, and effectiveness in your council's operations. Each GPC will diligently oversee the responsible allocation of budgets, preventing conflicts of interest in development, investment, and planning decisions.

Improved Complaints Procedures

Moreover, each GPC will be the platform for addressing any grievances or complaints against the Local Authority and its members. Your voice will be heard, and your concerns will be taken seriously and addressed quickly and competently.

Together, we can build a future where local voices have a significant impact on national policies, and where the power to shape our collective future lies in the hands of those who understand the unique needs and aspirations of each locality.

Openness and Responsibility: Full Transparency and Accountability

We believe local authorities should be accountable to the residents and businesses under its remit. To ensure transparency and uphold the highest standards of accountability, we propose a system of full disclosure and public access.

Under our plan, all complaints received by the General Public Committee (GPC) will be promptly and openly published on the respective Local Authority's website in real time. This ensures that every member of the community has visibility into the concerns raised and the actions taken to address them. Moreover, the decisions and actions of the GPC will be made fully public, providing citizens with an opportunity to understand and evaluate the process by which local governance operates.

We believe in an open and transparent government that is accountable to you, the people. Together, let's create a system that promotes trust, integrity, and active participation, fostering a stronger and more inclusive democracy for all.

Local Authorities Responsibilities:

• Environmental health

• Housing, planning, and development

• Leisure and recreation

• Local social and healthcare services, in partnership with the NVN (Pg.97)

• Public transport

Working as part of a national consultancy group, Local Authority would oversee:

• Energy and utilities

• Learning hubs

• Social policy

• Waste management

In partnership with the UK Defence League,Local Authorities would help tackle:

• Crime prevention

• Emergency planning

• Highways and traffic

Read more on National Defence Policy.

No More Cuts: Protecting and Improving Public Services

Our public services are the backbone of our society, providing essential support and care to all citizens. Yet, we have witnessed a concerning trend of budget cuts that threaten the very fabric of our communities, while council leaders take home up to £650,000 a year.

It's time to question the priorities of our leaders. If we can allocate billions to interest repayments and extravagant ceremonies, why are our public services bearing the brunt of austerity measures? It's not a matter of affordability but rather the mismanagement of public funds—yet again.

A New Approach

We believe in a different approach—one that prioritises the well-being and needs of our people. We will fight against further cuts to public services and ensure that every pound is spent wisely and effectively. Together, we can build a future where our public services receive the investment they deserve, providing the support and opportunities our communities need to thrive.

To ensure efficient governance and effective service delivery, local authorities and GPC’s will collaborate closely with a new Department for Public Services.

Any misappropriation of public funds will be dealt with swiftly. Council leaders will be stripped of office, lose all benefits, and replaced with immediate effect.

Safeguarding The Public Purse

We are committed to ensuring that suppliers to the public sector adhere to fair pricing practices. Products and services must not be priced higher simply because they are funded by the state. To prevent such exploitation, we will implement stringent oversight measures and maintain a blacklist of any providers attempting to overcharge or defraud the public sector.

This initiative aims to uphold the integrity of public procurement and ensure value for money for taxpayers.