The Government has recently published a
consultation document which explores whether local government has
the powers it needs to meet today's challenges, as part of the
Government's drive to renew Britain's democracy and build trust in
the political system at all levels. It sets out a range of
proposals to promote democratic renewal and strengthen the power
and responsibility of local government by:
- giving councils more scope to scrutinise the
spending and decisions of local service providers;
- exploring whether there are barriers to using
existing powers and whether there are other powers which councils
should have;
- ensuring councils have the powers and
responsibilities they need to tackle climate change;
- exploring how the powers and responsibilities
of sub-regional structures should be matched by clear and
accountable leadership; and
- exploring how to articulate, develop and
support the relationship between central and local government so
that respective functions are clear and transparent to
citizens.
This consultation applies to England only. It
runs from 21 July 2009 to 2 October 2009.
I will be co-ordinating a response to this and
would welcome any views or comments from you by 24
September 2009.
Click here for online comments form
In the meantime if you would like to find out
more about this consultation then please either
a) visit
http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/localgovernment/pdf/1290537.pdf
or
b) contact Liz Smith who will arrange
a briefing
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