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17.1.25

LONDON: Unelected peers spoke on behalf of the English public on Thursday in the house of lords to put the quality of public services ahead of democratic participation.

“My lords what local residents want from their local council are good quality services at a reasonable cost, however it is organised,” conservative peer baroness Scott of bybrook said in reference to labour’s plans for the reorganisation of local government.

Labour plans to restructure local politics, getting rid of hyper local district councils and putting all local powers under the control of bigger unitary authorities.

Some regions govern through the district system, while others already have the unitary system. The government’s plan means fewer elected representatives per citizen in areas which still have the district system.

The government plans to delay local elections in some areas to allow for the reorganisation, hinting that democracy is not what drives local governance.

“I agree with the noble Baroness about what the public want from their local government services,” labour peer baroness Taylor of stevenage responded.

Liberal democrat peer lord Wallace of saltaire was less sure. “Distant mayors cannot revive local democracy, and cancelling elections will deepen public mistrust … What plans do the Government have to strengthen the role of really local town and parish councils, in which it will still be possible for ordinary voters to get to know their local representatives and for representatives to know their voters?”

But Taylor’s telepathy unburdened citizens’ minds. “Generally speaking, as I said earlier, residents do not care about structures, they just want good public services, delivered at value for money.”