Retaining sovereignty while sharing services: statement from
Council Leader Sir Merrick Cockell
On 22 October we announced plans to look at merging some public
services with the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham and
the City of Westminster.
There are stark financial reasons for these proposals. Grants to
local government will fall by 28 per cent in the next four years
and if we want to make sure that vital frontline services are
protected we have to find savings from somewhere
As all three councils face the same challenges it is sensible
that we look at where we can work together in the best interests of
all our residents.
These proposals, while radical, do not threaten the sovereignty
of the individual councils.
- all three councils are committed to continuing to represent the
needs of local people in their boroughs
- each council will retain its own constitution, set its own
council tax and be answerable at election time to its own
electorate
There is much work to be done before these proposals can become
reality. Working groups are being set up to look at merging
children's services, environmental services, adult social care and
parts of corporate services too.
The recommendations from the working groups will be reported in
February 2011. At that stage councillors will consult with staff,
partners and residents before taking a decision on merging.
Do you believe that three councils sharing services presents any
threat to local democracy? If you want to comment, go to my blog
and join the debate.