We have rejoined the Local Government Association
after a four-year absence from the organisation.
The financial and organisational benefits of membership are such
that it now makes sense for the council to be part of the
organisation. Cllr Nigel Ashton, Leader of the Council said: "We
have rejoined because it makes absolute financial sense to do so.
Our membership fee for the rest of this financial year is just
under £12,000, but the council stands to save many times that
figure through its membership.
"It is becoming increasingly clear that, in the future, the
government will channel certain funding streams through the LGA,
for example funding for libraries development, and we will only be
able to access this funding through membership of the
association.
"There are advantages too in LGA membership, with repayments due
from the Landsbanki settlement, to ensure we have the most
effective option for receiving these funds, to minimise the costs
of the necessary currency transaction.
"By working collectively with other councils through the
organisation, we also have the advantage of being able to split
costs for other issues that we would otherwise bear alone. We were
right to withdraw when we did and now is the right time to rejoin;
I have spoken to the new leadership and am happy with the changes
they are making."
Sir Merrick Cockell, Chairman of the LGA said: "I am delighted
that North Somerset Council has decided to rejoin the association,
and we look forward to working with the authority to ensure good
value for the residents of North Somerset."
The Local Government Association (LGA) is a membership
organisation acting as the voice of the local government sector in
England and Wales, which seeks to be an authoritative and effective
advocate on its behalf.
