The talk of the elections has so far concentrated on Scotland and Wales. There has been little talk so far of what might happen within England and Norfolk. Maybe that is because the most controversial outcome might be the victory of the SNP and a road to independence. Maltheus isn't convinced that this is the greatest idea that Salmond or Scotland has had - Sure Ireland has a thriving economny but Maltheus doesn't reckon that Scotland would be able to make that jump - Without having to go through a very painful period.
One of Norwich's issues is the Unitary bid at the moment and Maltheus isn't too confident that voters know about this or even care! On the doorsteps it is crime, education, health that matter rather than a little bit more independence for some and a little less for others. Now, the o bearded one -Steve Morphew- would argue that actually by tackling the unitary bid you tackle the other problems. But Maltheus can't see that playing well on the doorstep and so that might be why Labour isn't mentioning it on their literature?
So with the EDP's help - What are the Unitary bids pro's and cons?
- Advantages of home rule:
-Decisions on services in Norwich will be made by councillors who represent the city.Less confusion over who provides services.
-The new unitary authority would be able to have a stronger focus on urban needs such as deprivation, educational attainment and health issues.
-Closer working with local communities and neighbourhoods.Higher profile nationally and internationally
-Better targeting of resources on deprived areas.
Educational attainment in the city would rise.
Disadvantages of home rule:
-Higher council tax bills created by the £18 million set up costs for the new authority and £32 million overall change and transformation costs.
-Redundancies among social care and cultural services staff.
-Possible closure of some libraries.Extra confusion due to a two-tier system.Widespread disruption and breaking up of services which currently work well.
-The city council's balances being taken to a level below that recommended for council services.
All the parties in city hall bar the Consevatives seem to be in favour of the bid but interestingly Maltheus hears of grumblings in the Labour County ranks. Not keen on a decrease of power?
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5 comments:
Grumblings? They are seething! Poor Roy Blower and Brian Morrey (dual councillors) have a job on their hands keeping them in line. Apparently poor ol' Irene McDonald, Labour's County Leader, reckons she has a better chance of keeping her job if the Norwich Labour County Councillors can't vote (i.e. after unitary). May get bloody.
Not all Lib Dems follow the unitary line. Don't beleive that what happens in Norwich is what is happening in Norfolk as a whole.
If you do a blog search on my blog under the tag of "unitary" or "Norwich City Council" you will see I have written extensively on the subject.
Oh, and I've linked back to you. Thanks.
Thanks for your comment. Apologies for the misrepresentation of your views. Will have to searcg more extensively next time!
No offence take. In the same way as norwich Tories were gainst the incinerator, but the County Tories supported it, not all Lib Dems follow the City line.
You may wish to ask how the City Councillors propose to be so much more successful with increasing educational attainment when they will have fewer resources at their disposal.
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