There’s another point of contention – the speed at which it’s happening.
Supporters say the government’s been clear about the direction of travel so pressing on makes sense, while critics claim the process has been “rushed”.
Cllr Bridget Smith, the Lib Dem leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said the issue of reorganising local government had taken attention “almost to the exclusion of anything else” since before Christmas, saying it’s a “massive distraction and massive cost” that would mean “the local will be lost in local government”.
“Surely the big problem is social care and children’s services,” she said.
“Surely it’s better to focus on solving those before moving the deckchairs of local government around.”
Setting out plans in the House of Commons, Rayner said there would be extensive engagement with local communities – and plenty of local leaders have already been knocking on ministers’ doors to share their views.
Some believe the pushback is being driven by politics from those who stand to lose out on council seats.
“I think it’s people in the bubble talking to themselves,” one council leader said. “This is about politics, nothing more.”
The Labour leader of Thurrock Council, Jack Kent, said: “This is just about the most centralised country in the Western world, and this is a real transfer of powers from Whitehall to the town hall. Moving to something that is stronger, more resilient, more ambitious for its population can only be good for people.”
Tim Oliver, the Conservative leader of Surrey County Council, said: “There is party political noise about this, but at the end of the day we’re here to serve residents and is simplification and less cost better for residents? It is. We’ll get through a little bit of turbulence.”
There’s certainly plenty of discussion – and disagreement – among councillors across England, but one thing most agree on – and ministers acknowledge – is that changing the way councils work will not solve the challenges they face without further reform of some of the key services they provide.
Source:
www.bbc.com
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