Review Manager |
24 September 2008
Our ref SMW/AW/AB |
Dear Sirs
Review of Local Government in Norfolk and Suffolk
As a district and parish councillor of 12 years, I believe that this review should be about what is best for the residents of Suffolk and, therefore, want to add my personal support to the proposal for three unitary councils in Suffolk.
There is no precedent or rationale for creating grandiose unitary councils across an enormous geographical area covering a population of up to 700,000 people. Moreover, communities are created by local characters and parish life, and nowhere is this more defined than in the villages across England. Local people run churches, schools, local history groups, garden clubs, sports clubs and a host of voluntary activities. It is the local which creates this community life. However, while pretending to care about communities, there is danger that LGR will do the opposite and sweep away a swath of local councillors who have a great knowledge of their parishes, their community and, most importantly, the people who live there. We are often the first port of call for people who want help with a great variety of problems. People know their local councillor and we are accessible. It will not be possible to keep the ‘local’ in ‘local councillor’ if we are expected to represent over 6000 people across a wide geographical area, as may be the case in your alternative proposal of a single Suffolk unitary.
The government talks about diversity and wishing to encourage a wide variety of people of all ages and with different backgrounds to get involved in local politics. Yet with the LGR proposals for large unitary councils, I believe, we shall be looking for full time local councillors. How else will they manage the increased work load and travelling? Will that really encourage people with fulltime jobs or young mothers juggling children and part-time work to stand as candidates?
I am urging people to think hard about what they would be losing if this proposal for two or, worst of all, one unitary authority goes ahead. I firmly believe that some rationalisation in local government is overdue. However, let us create meaningful communities and areas people can relate to. The phrase “large enough to work, small enough to connect” absolutely sums up what local government should be about. I therefore give my whole hearted support to the concept of three unitary councils for Suffolk.
Yours faithfully
Councillor Sara Mildmay-White SRN
Portfolio Holder for Community
St Edmundsbury Borough Council