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Ref: 294/07 25 July 2007
A Cautious Welcome – But Still Work to Do, Says Labour Leader
Cheshire’s Labour Group has welcomed Government plans for new separate East and West Unitary Councils and promised to ensure they work for the good of the communities.
Leader of Cheshire County Council’s Labour Group, County Councillor Derek Bateman said, “Our Group welcomes the decision for Cheshire to have a Unitary form of governance in line with today’s Government announcement.
“We have always felt two tier local government did not work effectively, had bred confusion, and prompted indecision which many Cheshire citizens could not easily relate to. Now having new clear lines of accountability and service delivery is a significant step forward.
“With regard to the actual proposals we would of course have supported a single unitary and had hoped the Government would have supported that,” he said
Added Councillor Bateman, “But the Government has made its decision: we will of course do everything we can to implement it, create two new unitary councils in Cheshire, and ensure that both will serve the people as well as possible.
“However the Government has requested further conclusive evidence from the Chester City’s bid to justify the costs of transition and these will not be resolved easily or quickly so there’s still an element of uncertainty at the moment.”
He concluded, “While we are still awaiting the final details and proposed implementation schedules, Local Government always makes Government legislation work - and this is no exception.”
Note to Editors: Further details from Leader of the County Council’s Labour Group, Derek Bateman Tel 01244 602114 (County Hall). |