Councils give big welcome to ‘big society’
Author: The MJ |
In one of his first key policy announcements, new prime minister David Cameron revealed plans to grant councils their long-called for general power of competence.
He pledged to give communities a greater say over services in their local area and will enable legislation to ensure it happens.
Leading on the agenda will be Nick Hurd who was confirmed as the new cabinet Office minister with responsibility for civil society.
He will have to convince voters who were unmoved by the idea during the general election campaign.
Mr Cameron also highlighted how he expects delivery to be achieved by bringing in talents from outside the traditional government sphere.
At his Downing Street launch were Kids Company founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, and the Middlesbrough mayor Ray Mallon.
Responding to the announcement Dame Margaret Eaton, chairman of the LGA, said: ‘We proposed a general power of competence to give councils greater freedom to save money and deliver great services that people want. It is good news that the new Government has listened. This will deliver better results for communities, and citizens will truly believe their vote matters, helping to create a more vibrant local democracy.
‘National politicians have called for a ‘new politics’ that is closer to voters and brings them closer to the people they serve. Locally elected councillors are already practising it.
‘We believe a radical devolution of power to local authorities will deliver big savings to the taxpayer and help make vital services even more responsive to people’s needs.’
Following the launch, the think tank Localis, which has close links to the new government, published a discussion document promoting the ‘small state, big society’.
The group said there was a major opportunity for the new coalition government to tackle the fiscal deficit and underperforming public services.
Dr Anthony Seldon, said: ‘The move towards the reinvigoration of the local community is unstoppable. For 65 years, the big state has flattened and pinched out individual and community enterprise and spirit. No longer. The revolution has begun.’