I favour a unitary system – combining a suitable number of current districts and boroughs, handing down county council powers, with a combined authority led by a directly elected Mayor.
It would enhance democracy and local accountability, be better value for money for the taxpayer, and be more effective in reducing crime.
From renationalisation of the energy and train companies to a bonfire of environmental and employment regulations, taking back control from Brussels has opened a new range of possibilities that were previously off the menu.
Rather than a gimmicky new layer of Government it would have been better to adopt a more localist approach of handing powers to existing local authorities.
The claim that nothing has been achieved springs from the same lack of seriousness — and is simply untrue.
The Prime Minister must make up his mind whether or not to see through a policy to stop the small boats – now an issue of profound symbolic importance.
The Government already has an oven-ready blueprint for the reform of our fire and rescue service. Now is the time to implement it in full and without delay.
While I do not doubt the sincerity of the Mayor’s efforts to tackle air pollution, he is simply unable to protect the health of each and every school child of whom there are more than 25,000 in Hillingdon alone.
During the Truss era, the role of Metro Mayors in finding locations for low-regulation investment zones could be significant.
Her plan for Government will allow communities to flourish, lowering taxes for families and creating a more efficient government – with power exercised locally.
The East Midlands is missing out on billions of pounds compared to the West Midlands. People feel disenfranchised by distrust of the two major parties.
It offers the opportunity to devolve powers directly to county and unitary authorities – rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all Metro Mayor model.
As more localised bodies, town and parish councils give the opportunity to concentrate on the smaller, but meaningful, issues on their doorsteps.
The Committee on Standards in Public Life proposed that councillors’ social media comment be included as “official capacity in their public conduct.”
Local people know their area and community better than anyone in Whitehall, and should show initiative to support the vulnerable.