Commenting on today’s NGLN report which finds that one third of local government managers are retiring in the next decade, whilst excessive bureaucracy is losing organisations young talent, Liberal Democrat Shadow Communities and Local Government Secretary, Julia Goldsworthy said:

"Local government needs to become a professional and dynamic organisation, capable of being judged against the best of the private sector. If we’re to reinvigorate local democracy we must support councillors and staff from all ages and sectors of the community.

"There are many talented people working in local government who find their progression held back by outdated structures. These are the people that we need to nurture and encourage.

"Some councils are innovating to provide high quality services but for others bureaucracy and Government red-tape is holding them back."