IT has been announced that Somerset will have a single unitary authority, against the wishes of the local community.
Local democracy is dead. It has been on life support for many years. The funeral is planned for 2023.
I am compelled to admit that I voted against the majority in favour of this outcome.
Central government controls funding, infrastructure development, house building, education etc. Funding and responsibility need to be aligned.
Only about 10% of council tax is kept by the current local authority - sufficient to resurface a path or install a waste bin but little more.
READ MORE: Government backs ONE-council plan for Somerset
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They may be very nice people, but without the money or clout to deliver!
Retaining local authorities will simply perpetuate poor government, not change it.
For that, a radical rethink of how democracy works is needed at both a local and national level.
The decision aligns with reality - power resides in those with control over the cash.
It should be clearer who is accountable for failures (and successes) rather than a “pass the buck” blame culture.
We can only hope they use their extended powers wisely. The ballot box still exists should they fail!
TERENCE WARNER
Taunton
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