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Ref: 258/07 5 July 2007
Government Announcement Reflects Cheshire’s Proposal for ‘Bringing Power to the People’ – Says Labour Leader
Proposals to give people greater control of how money is spent in their neighbourhoods have been welcomed by Cheshire’s Labour Group Leader.
County Councillor Derek Bateman responded to the announcement today (Thursday) by Local Government Minister Hazel Blears to enable voters to decide how tens of millions of pounds should be spent in their local area and how it should be targeted.
“I entirely agree that local voters have to get more involved – not just vote every four years and then do nothing,” he said.
“Priorities such as the local environment, parks, play areas, anti-social behaviour, their housing and provision of new affordable housing, litter, libraries, etc are of constant interest and concern to our citizens.”
Councillor Bateman pointed out that the Minister’s ideas were an excellent fit with the proposals Cheshire had put forward to the Government for local area executive committees under a new unitary council.
These would cover smaller areas of the county than the existing district councils and are based on areas with similar characteristics, issues and agendas.
The committees are designed to engage with residents to decide how a substantial proportion of money is spent in that area.
“Hazel’s ideas are to be piloted first in eight urban areas but they are equally important for communities in places like Cheshire,” said Councillor Bateman.
“Put all these proposals together and we have a golden opportunity to break the old mould of local government and give people a real say and make them feel involved.
“Local people can have a real influence in their lives and the places in which they live – truly bringing power to the people.”
RN/LJ
Notes to Editors: For more information please contact County Councillor Bateman on 0151 355 6575 (home), 01244 602114 (County Hall) or 07802 583909 (mobile). |