Devolution, rebuilding trust and addressing systemic challenges. The Key Cities discussion at the Labour Party Conference underscored the critical need for strategic reforms and collaborative efforts to secure the future of urban areas across the UK.

The session brought together influential voices in local government and politics, including Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities; Jim McMahon, Minister of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government; Darren Paffey, MP for Southampton Itchen; and Cllr Michael Mordey from Sunderland.

Cllr John Merry opened the discussion by emphasising the importance of the new Council of Nation and Regions, a body established by the Prime Minister with aims to devolve further powers to local leaders. By distributing responsibilities and resources more evenly across regions, the council seeks to tailor services to the unique needs of each area, fostering a more balanced and equitable approach to governance.

Jim McMahon highlighted that devolution is not merely about decentralisation but represents a more profound shift in governance with a more comprehensive redistribution of power and resources. There was unanimous support for the argument that the only way to rebuild trust with communities was to empower local leaders to make the decisions that directly impact their communities.

Darren Paffey stressed the crucial role of local leaders in restoring public trust, pointing out that repairing the financial foundations within local government is essential. This involves addressing systemic issues that have long plagued local authorities, rather than attributing these problems to the faults of local government itself. Funding must be based on need and the current process for obtaining essential funds must be made fit for purpose.

Reform is central to the vision shared by all speakers. Cllr Michael Mordey discussed Sunderland’s new development, The Beam, which is centred around rehousing public services. This project exemplifies how targeted investments and strategic planning can revitalise urban areas, making them more efficient and responsive to the needs of their residents.

Darren Paffey also brought attention to the unsustainable costs associated with children’s services in Southampton. He called for a serious reset on these issues, advocating for more education around the pressures faced by local authorities. By addressing these financial strains, cities can ensure that essential services remain viable and effective.

Cllr Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke City Council, noted the potential for local authorities to test innovative approaches in order to solve persistent challenges – forging new best practices where the status quo is not working.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need for a collaborative and strategic approach to urban governance, which was the leading ask in the Key Cities manifesto published ahead of the election.

With a government set to embrace devolution, address systemic financial issues, and seriously reform the planning system, local leaders will be able to pave the way for a prosperous future for cities across the UK. Key Cities as a network works to provide a platform for these cities to come together and achieve this vision, ensuring that cities remain vibrant, resilient, and capable of meeting the needs of their residents.