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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Last updated:
04 September 2009
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