Local government is at the cutting edge of providing localised and highly valued services, ranging from social care to fixing potholes to taking care of parks. Councils are consistently more trusted than central government to make decisions that affect their local areas – and there has rarely been a time of more challenge and opportunity for councils to make the best out of their potential.
Since 2010, councils across England have been dealing with significant reductions to core government grant funding – 40 per cent in real terms by April 2015 alone. With the pressures on local authorities increasing, more reliance on locally raised income and a potential move to greater retention of business rates, there has never been more at stake for local authorities. We are looking for someone with an analytical mind who would be able and willing to help shape local how local government is funded in the future and improve its financial sustainability.
As part of your role, you will be right at the centre of the LGA's work with local government, working within the local government finance policy team. Your role will be to deliver high quality financial analysis and policy advice to support the LGA's policy programmes. This is a real opportunity both to raise your profile and to demonstrate your team working strengths, with a particular focus on the funding of local government.
The requirements
You’ll need strong analytical skills to undertake and interpret financial data and understand the funding implications for councils, thinking creatively and innovatively about the risks and opportunities presented.
While an understanding of the funding of local government and the key issues affecting councils is highly desirable, we are looking for someone who is able to learn and grasp new complex concepts and issues quickly.
Your skills will enable you to be an effective lobbyist and advocate, championing and furthering the interests of local government and helping councils to respond to challenges and make the most of opportunities.
It’s important that you’re politically aware with the ability to exercise discretion, judgement and confidentiality when dealing with politicians and officers at every level. This will be complemented by good presentation, research, and analytical skills. Your ability to grasp issues quickly will make you stand out.
Closing date: 5pm, 28 July 2017
Interviews: To be confirmed
We value diversity and encourage applications from all sections of the community