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The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Is more devolution really a good thing?

Dec 4, 2024
Matthew Engel, a veteran journalist turned Herefordshire councillor, shares his insights on the challenges of local governance. Jack Shaw, a policy fellow and Labour councillor, provides a critical look at Labour’s upcoming devolution plans. Megan Kenyon, a policy correspondent, analyzes the potential impacts of these plans, questioning if they truly empower local communities or distance them further. The discussion delves into the complexities of council reorganization, funding issues, and the real-world implications for citizens and democracy.
26:57

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Quick takeaways

  • Labour's devolution plans raise concerns about potentially centralizing power and diminishing the autonomy of smaller local councils.
  • The low compensation for councillors limits diverse representation, highlighting the need for reforms to encourage broader community engagement.

Deep dives

The Challenges of Local Councils

Local councils in England face significant challenges, particularly as a large portion of their budgets is spent on social care. Funding for social care has risen to occupy 70-80% of council budgets, leaving little room for addressing other local needs. Consequently, basic community services have been neglected, as more funding is allocated to unavoidable services, like adult and child social care. This systemic issue creates a situation where local governments struggle to meet the varied demands of their communities, without the necessary resources to enact meaningful change.

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