Reaffirming the role of the local authority in education

Education systems in England have changed radically over the past few years with a transformed role for local authorities, a more autonomous school system and a move towards sector-led school improvement. Many say that this shift heralds the end of the auhtority's role in education, but they are misinformed. We continue to play a unique role in understanding and shaping arrangements to meet the holistic needs of our citizens - their employment, health, leisure, education and skills needs.

Education is the most important gift we can give to our children. It can empower them to become active participants in the transformation of their societies. Education is too important for society not to have robust accountability and an active voice in its design and delivery. I argue that a "Body" which is both local and which is accountable to its citizens, can offer the most appropriate leadership of an education system. In short, the authority.

So, whilst the role of the authority in today's education system may have changed it is very much alive. Councils continue to: