Ref: 19/07 18 January 2007
Cheshire Votes For Single Unitary - And A £21m-A-Year Saving
Cheshire’s case for a single unitary council could save the county’s council tax-payers an estimated £21m a year…with any necessary re-structuring paying for itself within two to three years.
The cash bonanza would relieve pressure on council tax and services and also provide funds for investment in a model that brings local government closer to the people than it has ever been.
Today (Thursday) in response to the Government’s White Paper on Local Government, Cheshire County Council voted for a single unitary authority to replace one county and six district councils.
In a cross party vote thirty-one Councillors favoured a single unitary against 16 for an improved two-tier with three abstentions.
Members heard that an improved two-tier working option retaining all seven councils could save only half this amount – even assuming that the seven councils could agree a way forward.
But the most expensive option – two unitary councils – would cost an estimated £33m in transitional expense and result in an ongoing loss of around £1m each year!
Said Deputy Leader Councillor David Rowlands: “Not only will our proposal revitalise local government - it is the only affordable solution that will both facilitate key reforms and benefit all Cheshire’s people.
“Even on the most conservative estimates, the necessary restructuring pays for itself within two to three years and then benefits the Cheshire taxpayer by around £21m-plus year on year.
“Our submission has been checked and double checked for affordability, economy and value for money. It’s fully evaluated to nationally accepted criteria and is the result of two years of relentless work on behalf of the people of Cheshire.”
He added: “It is also the only affordable solution that provides key reforms to benefit all Cheshire’s people and communities and protect and enhance the county’s much-valued services.
“And it will remove, once and for all, the current public confusion about which council does what for the Cheshire area.”
Cheshire’s submission for a single unitary authority devolves decision-making powers and budgets to a series of fifteen area committees - with boundaries of community interest - and represented by area, town and parish councillors.
At the same time it secures a strong and effective strategic council giving clarity of leadership strength of purpose and direction…and ensures that Cheshire maintains a strong voice in the region.
“Without that strategic capability, resource and expertise we will lose the chance to influence regional decisions which affect the economic well-being of the people of Cheshire, said Labour leader Derek Bateman.
“Lose a strong unified Cheshire and we will risk the interests of this county being treated as second best to the massive conurbations of Merseyside and Manchester on our borders.”
Added the Labour leader: “I cannot believe that the Cheshire public want to see the break-up of their top class strategic services like education.
“Nor do they want to see the end of the very successful ‘brand’ that is Cheshire which speaks economic success and quality of life.”
Hubs in all the major areas would provide ‘one-stop shop’ access for the public to all services now provided by both County and District Councils.
And whilst the changes are radical the county’s model retains or returns the cherished tradition and civic pride of Cheshire through preservation of Mayoralties in city and towns.
The devolved unitary system - created in co-operation with town and parish councils - actually brings government far closer to local communities than any other experienced in our lifetimes.” said County Councillor Sue Proctor Leader of the Lib Dem Group.
“We are already well down the road to localism and this submission will ensure we complete a journey which began with our response to the Boundary Commission in February 2004.”
“Only at community level can many of our current problems ultimately be solved. Town and parish councils will at last be given a real opportunity to play their part in shaping the future and protecting the quality of life we all enjoy.
“Areas such as Hoole in Chester or Wilmslow will get a stronger local identity through the new ways of working.”
Many Councillors expressed grave concerns for the future of already financially hard-pressed services – particularly those for older people and children - if the county were split into two.
Said Cllr Proctor: “Apart from the funding gaps faced by all local authorities the Government will be seeking further saving from Cheshire’s councils in the order of £80m.
“We are never going to be able to meet this bill if we carry on with seven councils or incur the costs and disruption of creating two unitaries. It is time to move on – for the good of the people of Cheshire and the services they expect from us.” she said.
Ends
Story Note: Cheshire County Council have already embarked on one of the most radical shake-ups of local government attempted by an English Authority. Far reaching re-structuring and re-organisation will create a model council for the 21st century and make estimated saving of £174m over a ten year period.
Note To Editors: For further information please contact County Councillors Rowlands on 01244 300655, Bateman on 0151 355 6575 or Proctor on 01244 335943. |