Council role to be increased in England

Councils in England look set to get powers to bring in bylaws attracting fixed penalties without the need for Whitehall approval and to elect a local mayor.

The proposals to increase local council powers come ahead of the Lyon’s report due in December which reviews local government finances.

The White Paper 'Strong and Prosperous Communities' seeks to build a new settlement between central government, local government and citizens - one which strengthens local accountability and puts in place measures to ensure local services are more responsive to their communities.

Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly said: “We will give local authorities a stronger role in leading their communities and bringing services together to address local needs and problems.

“Central government will play its part in guaranteeing minimum standards and setting overall national goals, but we will step back and allow more freedom and flexibility at the local level.

“In exchange, we expect to see more accountability to local citizens, stronger local leadership, better and more efficient services and a readiness to support tougher intervention when things go wrong.

“The White Paper sets out how we intend to achieve this re-balancing between central government, local government and local people."

The proposals allow for local communities to vote for a mayor or elected representative.

Local community representatives would be handed more powers to review the actions of police and hospitals.

However, the Conservative shadow communities secretary Caroline Spelman labelled the proposals as “toothless.”

(SP/EF)