English Devolution - Local Government Reorganisation - LGR

An excellent discussion at Stroud District Council this evening. As a Green there is no party line, so we are free to contribute in the best interests of the residents and business who we represent.

I said what I thought needed to be said. The recommendation passed unanimously and I feel the wide ranging opinion will help shape and deliver the best possible outcome.

I acknowledge that our leaders do a remarkable job of keeping the whole council on track, despite the tough choices and strong opinion that many of us hold.

My Speech at Full Council

After seeing the initial top level work streams I have little doubt that our hard working officers and staff can deliver whatever option is chosen, in the broadest sense and in skeletal form.

But, having analysed the background papers, some which only arrived yesterday, I cannot accept a conclusion of just two or maybe three possible outcomes.

What concerns me most is that our tier of local government represents thousands of delicate fibres of a complex social web. A web that connects town and parish councils, hyper local organisations, charities, small community groups as well as individuals. The anchor points of this web maybe easily identified but the web itself is a delicate and fragile structure that has taken decades to evolve. It is this fragile structure that nurtures and supports us all, as individuals. Consequently, I think there is grave danger ahead for the communities we represent.

We are like sheep we are being herded towards a pre-determined destination by a farmer who claims to be looking after all our needs and welfare.

However, as a Green, I know that there are other destinations which are being shrouded from our collective view.

I say we all need to flock together, make our voices heard, shout out about subsidiarity (that's decision making being made at the most local level), challenge the befuddled assumptions, call out arbitrary claims, seek more detail and demand proper detailed answers to our questions.

But, we are being rushed, we're being given no time to think. We are being told by Westminster that this gift of devolution is good for us and we must accept what's on offer.. We have no choice... We don't hold the cards...

I draw everyone's attention to the EIGHT vitally important principles in 3.3 on page 8 of the pack.

Based on delivering those principles, but not the final destination, and wanting only what is best for the residents and businesses I represent. Therefore to claim our place at the table I feel have no choice but to reluctantly support this recommendation.

But I will not say thank-you to this remote and increasingly authoritarian government.

Principles for Assessing Final Proposals

• Support for the development of inclusive economic prosperity, which meets the needs of all, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
• An equitable and financially viable council structure which does not exacerbate wealth or service need imbalances.
• Ability to maintain the delivery of key services at a local level to our residents and businesses with a focus on long term effectiveness rather than short term efficiency. Savings to be achieved by economies of scale not service reductions.
• Strengthening of participative democracy including adequate elected representation.
• Alignment with other public service providers and structures which support our parish and town councils and the voluntary and community sector.
• A structure which facilitates continued joint and ambitious working for our local environment, nature recovery and climate action.
• A structure which builds on local identity incorporating best practice from the current councils and ensuring valued local assets are retained for community use.
• A structure which facilitates the delivery of the SDC Council Plan priorities: environment, climate and nature; communities and well-being, local economy, housing and working for our communities.

SDC #LGR #UKPOL