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.
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Accidental Councillor
- Matthew Engel accidentally became a Herefordshire councillor after a series of unfortunate events.
- He aimed to win, wanting something more than his last victory, the under-nine relay race.
Existential Crisis in Local Government
- Local council discussions often use obscure jargon, making them inaccessible to the public.
- This lack of transparency contributes to an existential crisis in local government.
Diminishing Power of Councils
- Councils have progressively lost power and resources over time.
- Around 70-80% of their budgets now go to adult and children's social care, limiting their impact on other local issues.