Sir Michael Lyons has published his latest thinking on the future role and function of local government in England.

Government announced an extension to the Lyons Inquiry’s terms of reference in September 2005 to cover questions relating to the function, future role and funding of local government.  

National prosperity, local choice and civic engagement describes a new partnership between central and local government for the 21st century.  

Lyons argues for a system of local government that can manage the increasing pressures on public expenditure, increase satisfaction and build more prosperous communities.  

He challenges central government to clear the space for effective place-shaping by setting fewer and better-focused targets and reducing supervision of local government by central government. He also urges local government to further raise its game, building on recent improvements, and promote effective local and energetic place-shaping.