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The number of ring-fenced budgets should be reduced, the Best Value process should be streamlined and inspection regimes reformed if local government is to improve services, according to proposals published by the Local Government Association at a conference fringe meeting.

The LGA's plans include six commitments to demonstrate councils' determination to address key issues. They are raising educational standards, helping older people, improving bus services, supporting pre- and early teens, helping the long-term unemployed and transforming the local environment.

Liberal Democrat MP Don Foster told the meeting that local government had a "key role" to play in the debate on improving services.