A survey by the UK Local Government Alliance for International Development (LG Alliance) shows that many councils across the UK are actively involved in international development work and through this work are bringing benefits back to their local areas.

86% of council respondents recognised there is a ‘role for councils to get involved in international development’ and recognised local benefits in adopting a more global outlook – including to supporting community cohesion and opening up economic opportunities.

The results highlight a wide interest and broad range of activities that are taking place within a variety of council departments. Nearly half of the respondents indicated that their councils are already involved in some kind of international development activity in three broad areas:

• Development education – building cohesion through work in local schools and communities
• Decentralised cooperation – sharing learning through direct exchanges with partners overseas
• Fairtrade, sustainable development and procurement practices – using purchasing powers, local policy & practice to support communities in the developing world

Many council respondents however highlighted the current pressures on council resources inhibiting their ability to get involved in such work. Despite this, UK councils have been innovative in working in partnership and finding funding from external sources - to ensure that this valuable work continues. Recognising the tough times ahead for councils, the LG Alliance plans to provide more applied support to respond to increasing resource pressures.

Responses were received from 384 people, reflecting views from nearly half the councils in the country, and from a wide variety of council departments, including chief executive offices, corporate policy and strategy, environmental services, children’s and adult services, education, culture and tourism and economic development.

click here for a copy of the Survey report.