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Published:
November 21, 2006
Burnham-On-Sea
MP opposes plans for local government shake-up
 Burnham-On-Sea
MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week hit out at plans for a
huge shake-up of local government across Somerset.
His
comments on Tuesday (November 21st) came after the leader of Somerset
County Council proposed a single unitary authority for Somerset,
to be based in Taunton, which would mean the abolition of five
district councils, including Sedgemoor, which covers Burnham.
Mr
Heathcoat-Amory, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I will
oppose any such break up, which would cost millions and remove
local democracy."
"This
proposal is driven by the Government, which wants to impose an
even larger authority on us in league with the Liberal Democrats
at County Hall who want to destroy the district councils. As usual,
the local taxpayer will end up footing the bill."
He
added: "The worst problems of inefficiency and waste which
I deal with come from the County Council. This will get worse
if they take over the district council responsibilities for planning
and housing and much else. This is a politically motivated attack
on local democracy and I will do all I can to block it."
 Mr
Heathcoat-Amory's comments will not welcomed by Cathy Bakewell,
Leader of Somerset County Council, pictured right, who is backing
the plans for the shake-up.
She
said: "Residents want services that are excellent, local,
efficient and cost effective. It is clear that local people want
to have a greater say in how services are provided and want more
opportunities for community investment, business development and
safer communities."
She
added: "I believe that the County Council needs to take a
bold step in bidding for unitary status to ensure that we have
a cost effective and streamlined system of local government which
serves local peoples needs and local peoples expectations."
The
proposal is to be debated by councillors at a meeting at County
Hall on Wednesday (November 22nd).
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