Somerset County Councilor for Frome West, cllr John Clarke, has spoken about the need for parish councils to work together as plans for local government reorganisation move on quickly.
“Somerset County Council (SCC) has now published ‘One Somerset’ setting out the plans of the Conservative-led council to pursue a single unitary authority. This would result in the ending of all districts councils. The restructuring of our county political landscape is set to change. The timetable set by the county outlines a shadow body from 2021 and elections for a unitary authority in 2022.
“To date there has been little discussion or meaningful public engagement not least because of the necessity to deal with the pandemic. The first question worth considering is why the rush and apparent “steamrolling” by SCC to make their plan happen. Have we not greater priorities in dealing with not only a pandemic which is likely to continue beyond 2020 but resulting recession, massive unemployment estimated by some to reach £6m and hardship for many in our communities.
“Should we not be focusing on making every effort to support our communities in what will no doubt be times of increasing poverty and further deprivation in our towns and villages? Should we not be focusing on how we can learn the lessons from the pandemic and build on the resilience and kindness many have shown during this time. We need to prepare for future crises, not least climate change.
“However, the realities are different being imposed by political will and power and we must try to engage where we are able in the debate about a future which will affect us all. At a recent Frome Town Council’s meeting a different approach was presented with a report commissioned by the town council and other parishes across Somerset. Presented as “An opportunity to hear about the possibilities for communities through their parish councils to influence and achieve real local government. A once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink local government service provision in Somerset”.
“Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) can and should represent the time for a re-birth and invigoration of localism.
“Much has been said about the possible financial benefits and savings. However, this could be viewed as false hope. We know demand is increasing for adult care and children’s services, the local economy needs to change and local government has lost £16 billion in the past decade (Local Government Organisation).
“There needs real investment in social care provision, a return to preventative services such as Sure Start which had such an impact on supporting families. There will remain continuing pressures on budgets and the ability to provide services to all of the community whether this is to the most disadvantage or leisure and libraries already hit by cuts, privatisation or outsourcing. Unitary is not the answer for being able to not only sustain these services but increase investment and funding. This can only happen with economic investment generating income for these services alongside a review of tax raising measures.
“As concluded in the report, “If maximum benefit are to accrue to the communities of Somerset from LGR it is essential that parishes work in concert with one another and in partnership with any proposed unitary(s) to achieve lasting and workable conclusions”.
“Of real importance is this joined up approach by parish councils; it must not be viewed as rural and town. Whilst each have their specific needs the common goal is the protection of communities, the protection of services not least to the most vulnerable and the protection of our shared environment.
“Time to focus on the best outcome for our communities and how that can be achieved and which option, unitary(s), or closer collaboration and integration without abolishing district council. The east/west split option may provide a localised local government providing the opportunities to empower our parish councils for the benefit of their local communities.”
