‘Amplify the voices of residents’, says Nick Timothy MP
Three Suffolk Members of Parliament have joined forces to make the case for extra powers to be given to town and parish councils as part of the process of local government reform.
They sent a joint letter to Suffolk County Council leader, Cllr Matthew Hicks, and the Cabinet Member for Local Government Reform, Cllr Richard Rout, on 13 April. You can read the letter by clicking below.
The MPs’ letter describes their proposals to ensure local communities have greater control over the challenges and opportunities that affect their towns and villages.
It summarises their view that ‘it is vital that any money saved through local government reform must remain in Suffolk’. The letter adds: “We believe we need clear and binding commitments about the powers and budgets of parish and town councils.”
The areas about which the MPs asked for clarity included road safety, encompassing decisions on speed limits, enforcement and traffic-calming, planning,to make sure parish and town councils are fully supported in their development of neighbourhood plans, flood prevention, with responsibility for drain maintenance and clearing ditches and the use of community assets, so valued spaces such as village halls, common greens and pubs can stay accessible to residents.
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Commenting, James Cartlidge, the MP for South Suffolk, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Suffolk Conservative Parliamentary colleagues to make the case for strengthening the voice of communities, as part of local government reform.
“I’ve always been a strong supporter of parish level empowerment — especially on planning, through the encouragement of Neighbourhood Plans. At a time of growing central Government imposition on everything from pylons and solar to huge housing targets for rural areas, we need to protect the voice of local communities more than ever.
“In the issues we’ve identified — including speeding and community assets — I know my constituents would welcome the chance for a greater say, where their parish or town is affected.”
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Commenting, Patrick Spencer, the MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, said: “My number one priority is to make sure devolution works for my constituents across Central Suffolk and North Ipswich. That means better quality public services, value for money and ensuring local communities are at the heart of the council’s decision making.
“I believe our submission to the consultation will do exactly that, ensuring devolution will deliver real tangible benefits for people across Suffolk. I look forward to working with my Conservative colleagues in Parliament and Suffolk County Council as we proceed with plans for devolution.”
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Commenting, Nick Timothy, the MP for West Suffolk, said: “Decision-making by councils and central government on important things like road safety and flood prevention often feels too distant, whether it is in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich or London.
“We should use the opportunity of local government reform to change this and amplify the voices of residents, with an increase in the power of parish and town councils to improve things for the better.
“After all, it is local people who know best what needs to be done — and the things that need to be fixed, protected and improved — in their own communities.”
To read coverage of the MP’s call for extra powers for local parish and town councils, please see below.
