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Unitary Authorities and Belonging Communities
February 14, 2008 12:00 AM
Philip Latham
It Is only 4 years ago that a clear majority of Tynedale residents voted for 2 unitary authorities. Now the Labour Government under Gordon Brown has imposed a single authority. On May 1st , elections will take place to replace the County and 6 District Councils.
At a local level parish and town councils will remain as the democratically elected representative bodies of their local neighbourhoods. However they will have to share power and responsibility alongside 'community forums of non elected local people within a new framework called a 'Belonging Community'.
To some this seems a over complex structure which will have difficulty in recruiting residents to serve on it.
There are others, especially those with long memories who are beginning to wonder whether a return to the days of pre 1974 with Urban and Rural councils might be the best solution for here in Tynedale. Whatever does emerge must be properly financed to serve local people and communities.
What are your views on this? Do let us know.
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