TORIES WRONG TO SUPPORT THREE TIER LOCAL GOVERNMENT

12.00.00am GMT Thu 1st Nov 2007

Liberal Democrats at Essex County Council have voiced their concerns about Conservative plans to continue supporting a three tier system of local government in Essex, which is not uniform across the county. Whilst the whole county has the benefit of a county council and a borough or district council, not every resident has a parish or town council.

Cllr Tom Smith-Hughes, Liberal Democrats county leader said, "Almost all of the urban areas in Essex do not have a third tier parish or town council to represent their needs at the most local level, whilst the rural areas do. The Conservatives proposals to continue to keep and support this system, with more support for the parish or town council areas, means that large numbers of Essex residents will remain without that level of investment and representation in their communities. It is manifestly unfair and undemocratic and the Liberal Democrats group voted against the proposal at a recent meeting of the full council (30 October).

"We know that there are many residents and taxpayers in Essex who are bewildered and suspicious about local government, largely because they are unaware of the powers and duties to provide services that their councils have. As elected representatives we need to change that and we welcome a debate about how modifications to structures, powers and financing could improve the level of service local councils give to all their residents.

"At the same time, we need to ensure that there is equity in dealing with residents where they live," Cllr Smith-Hughes continued.

ENDS