A cross-party group of MPs - the Select Committee on International Development - has released a report today, which highlights the vital expertise UK Local Government sector can offer in the fight against urban poverty in developing countries.

The UK Local Government Alliance for International Development submitted written evidence to the Select Committee enquiry. The LG Alliance Chair, Richard Shaw, was also called to provide oral evidence to the Committee and highlighted the need for a greater focus on urbanisation issues and on local government as a key player. In particular he highlighted the importance of strengthening local government capacity to deal with urban pressures and the mutual benefits and learning for UK local councils who provide expertise in this area.

Richard Shaw, Chair of the LG Alliance said; "I am pleased to see this recognition of the challenge posed by rapid urban population growth in developing countries.  Building the capacity of local government in developing countries is essential if the response is to be successful.  Local government expertise in the UK could play a part in this."

Cllr Richard Kemp, Deputy Chair of the LGA (one of the 5 LG Alliance partners), welcomed the report saying;

"local government colleagues overseas regularly come to us, seeking our support and to exchange good practice.  UK-AID needs to focus less on costly consultants and more on using our public servants".

He went on to comment; "We have a pool of professionals who can offer real expertise service delivery, through working in partnership with our communities.  In these pressing economic times, UK councils and communities can also benefit directly from such exchanges - through promoting trade and business links, sharing alternative models of working locally, supporting council staff development, as well as bringing educational benefits, through stimulating greater cultural and global understanding in our communities".
To read the full report click here