Local Democracy?

An article in the Evening News, the Edinburgh paper, on the introduction of their tram system struck a chord.

The particular project in question is but indicative of the 'malaise' that infects local government generally. It is dictated to by central government firstly, and secondly, due to the 'Cabinet' system of government - imposed by the Local Authorities Act 2000 - it means the dis-enfranchisement of the majority of councillors. In fact a report in 2002 on local government stated that the cabinet system of government within local authorities removed the majority of councillors from the decision making process.

The sooner real 'local democracy' is introduced, as outlined in 'The Plan', the better. It is the only way in which local councillors would be held to account by their electorate, which in turn is a prime requisite for 'local government'.

In fact, not just pertinent to local government, the sooner The Plan is instigated the better for the country as a whole as it requires our withdrawal from the European Union!

If you haven't read it - you should!

Roll on the revolution!