Caroline Spelman sets out Conservative regions policy in new NLGN pamphlet

March 17, 2007

Conservatives and LocalismThe Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Caroline Spelman MP has pledged to abolish Regional Assemblies, accusing them of being “a kind of fake devolution, a fig leaf to conceal the fact that true power still lies in the centre” and claiming that Assemblies cost each household £580 to maintain.

Writing in a New Local Government Network (NLGN) pamphlet, Conservatives and Localism, she also rejected the idea of restructuring, claiming that “the net effect would only be to take power away from people locally and further erode the way people identify with their local council”.

Mrs Spelman also rejects the idea of city regions, arguing that whilst councils may want to enter in local partnerships, the ultimate decision-making process must reside with local authorities.

Instead she said that greater power should be given to individual local authorities and argued that the Sustainable Communities Bill – currently being debated in Parliament – should be enacted to give councils greater control over spending and powers.

Conservatives and Localism – edited by Neil Carmichael – is part of a series of NLGN pamphlets exploring new ideas on localism from the main political parties in the UK. Other contributors include Cllr Ken Thornber, Chair of the County Councils Network who reflects on the role that local governance can play in challenging economic inequality; Cllr Barry Dare, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council whop argues for councils to have an increasingly engaged in education and transport, as well as new spheres such as health and Cllr Chas Fellows, Leader of Stroud District Council on working with local partners, to reach beyond the existing confines of local government delivery.


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