A direct link exists between respect for the labour and trade union rights of local public service workers and effective local government responses to public emergencies, including during the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides, cities and regions that rely on publicly-owned or publicly-controlled governance models may have greater ability to rapidly adjust, adapt, prioritise and re-deploy staff and services. Therefore, the remunicipalisation of local public services can enable swift emergency responses, quick service adaptation and staff redeployment to ensure continued service delivery.

These conclusions are among the policy findings of this new publication,

Policy Brief 05 “Local Public Services in Crisis Mode: Adapting Governance Models to Exceptional Times” is part of the UCLG-Metropolis-LSE Cities Emergency Governance Initiative Serie (EGI), aiming to investigate the institutional dimensions of rapid and radical action  in response to complex global emergencies. The publication provides actionable information, knowledge and recommendations to local and regional governments to help them respond to complex emergencies and was produced by United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG), the World Association of the Major Metropolises (Metropolis) and LSE Cities at the London School of Economics and Political Science with the support and input of Public Services International (PSI) and affiliates.