Deputy Prime Minister's speech at the LGA Conference: CCN responds

Today the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has delivered a speech at the Local Government Association's 2025 Conference, pledging to consolidate economic growth funding pots and announcing a new Local Government Outcomes Framework.

Below, the County Councils Network responds to her speech and the government's announcements.

Cllr Tim Oliver, Chair of the County Councils Network, said:

“The County Councils Network has long argued for streamlined funding pots for economic growth funding, easing the burdensome process of councils applying for multiple, fragmented grants - so today’s announcement is a positive step. The key now will be to ensure that these funds are distributed to the places most in need, with county areas having untapped economic potential but requiring the funds for the schemes to unlock this.

“Alongside a review of some legal duties governing statutory responsibilities, today’s announcements on piloting new approaches for prevention such as pooling services will provide some valuable learning. They will be important ahead of forthcoming children’s services and SEND reforms, which we hope will focus on preventing crises in the first place.

“Whilst it is vital that the new Local Government Outcomes Framework is to be co-designed by councils, it will also be important to ensure that the framework itself is a collaborative effort, considering funding challenges persist in many of the areas to be assessed, such as homelessness and children’s social care.”