You may have heard in the news that the county and city council Leaders in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have submitted proposals for a combined devolution deal to the government.
The proposal would see these four large authorities have autonomy over district and borough council’s, ultimately making them null and void and pandering to the whims of the big four.
They have stated that it would not create another level of government and that it would not force local government out, but this is what Steve Fritchley believes is going to happen.
“Local people need to understand what the Tories are doing, they are decimating local government and all it stands for,” said Steve. “If these plans are agreed it will leave us with an authority that is too remote from local communities, where there will be no growth, too much highly bureaucratic politics, with no respect for the hard work and knowledge of local councillors.
“It will not improve services, bring growth or prosperity to Bolsover District. It will decimate them as they will be concentrated around the big cities and towns and we will be left with the scraps. This is a power grab by the Tories to oust Labour.
“Regardless of whether you are a Labour supporter or not, we need to stand up and fight for what we believe is right. Because if this is approved it will sound the death knell for local government and small towns and villages like Bolsover, Barlborough, Clowne, Creswell, Tibshelf, Shirebrook, South Normanton and many others as we will see little, if any investment at all.
“I mean let’s face it, the county council cannot do what they are paid to do now. The social care system is failing, there are pot holes everywhere you go, the transport infrastructure is failing and there has been little or no inward investment in the area for years. Give local district and borough council’s the money they deserve and let them get on with what they are good at – delivering local services.”
At a recent Council meeting, councillors unanimously agreed that Bolsover District supports the continuation of a two-tier government system in Derbyshire and encourages other Derbyshire Council’s to do the same and the Council Leader be empowered to explore other alternatives, if necessary.
Steve added, “I am not against reform, but it has to be right and has to be done with local people in mind and not just a few politicians who believe they know what’s best or because they have big ambitions. Local government is about local people and delivering good quality local services – something which a large combined authority simply won’t be able to do. My message is simple and clear – keep it local.”