Page 5 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • April 2003 5
Regional assemblies: greater democracy
or more taxpayers' money down the drain?
Electors in Swindon may have the chance to vote on whether there should bean elected Regional Assembly for the South West after Swindon
Council's cabinet agreed to recommend to Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, that he arrange a referendum on this issue.
Both the national government Those who have advocated re- about the number of tiers of gov- Alternatively,ascounNickMar-
and Swindon Council have been gionalism are disappointed by the ernment and the levels of bureauc- tin suggested in the March Link,
carrying out a consultation exer- limitations of the English assem- racy that effect our lives. Even should reconstituted area panels,
cisetodeterminethelevelofinter- blies, compared to the devolved within a unitary authority like comprising borough councillors
est in holding such a poll. Locally, powers granted to Scotland and Swindon, independent of a county for the areas concerned, have more
over 500 organisations have been Wales. Leader of the Liberal Demo- council, there exists the additional decision making powers backed
canvassed for their views. crats on Swindon Council Mike tier of parish councils in some parts up with their own budget?
The proposals set out in a gov- Evemy supports the principal of of the borough. Councillor Martin drew atten-
ernment White Paper are for di- shifting power away from West- These can raise additional coun- tion to the poor public attendance
rectly elected assemblies charged minster and unelected cil tax (the precept) and at panel meetings. This apathy is
with developing a strategic vision quangos. "The govern- determine how that also reflected in some parish coun-
for improving government in the ment's proposals do not should be spent for the cils in attracting residents to stand
region, particularly in economic give sufficient power to benefit of its parishion- for election.
performance, setting priorities, the regions," he said. "I ... ers, i.e. in Haydon Wick
delivering regional strategies and would be pleased to , and Stratton.
allocating resources. support a South West '' . There are no such PALM JOINERY
Braydon,
Their role would encompass regional assembly with councils in central and Unit 10. I nd Est. rraydon, Swindonl
jobs, transport, housing, culture the same powers as the West Swindon, gl- Tel/Fax: 01793 854 777
and the environment. These func- Welsh Assembly." though council tax pay-
tions would be taken from central Anticipating that do- ers will note a 'special Design, make & fitting services
government, leading to criticism ing away with county Swindon LibDems leader expenses' item on their Guaranteed quality
that a further tier of government councils would lead to Mike Evemy bills to cover items like craftmanship
would be introduced, with a con- rejection of the idea in provision and mainte- Let us help you unlock
sequent increase in bureaucracy to this area, he added, "the govern- nance of open spaces, which else- your imagination
be paid for by taxes. menthas fundamentally misunder- where are funded by the parish Fitted and freestanding,furniture,
To counter this, the government stood what regionalism is about: it councils. The question could be household items including:
proposes that, in areas considered is about devolving downwards, posed: do parish councils form an Handmade bedrooms & kitchens
for assemblies, county councils not taking it from elected local au- unnecessary tier of government? Doors, windows, stairs, mouldings.
should be abolished - an idea sure thorities." Conversely, should the benefits radiator covers and fire surrounds.
to meet strong opposition from the Swindon Council received about of decision making at a local par- Flat packs assembled
counties affected. one hundred responses to its con- ish level be extended to non- • Standard sizes and designs available
Swindon is a unitary authority sultation process. More than twice parished areas? Please ask for items not listed
and a local criticism is that the as many respondents thought in-
town has greater economic ties terest in holding a referendum
with the south east of the country. would be weak as those who
The South West region extends to thoughttherewouldbestrongsup-
the far reaches of Cornwall, with a port. However, a majority consid-
predominance of small towns and ered a referendum should be held
rural communities whose interests if only to raise the level of aware-
may conflict with those of larger ness of regionalism or to bring the
towns like Swindon. issue to a head. The council reached
a similar conclusion.
The debate opens up questions
d
THE Ne e i
COMPLETE curtains Enrol them in your local SUMMER HOLIDAY
CURTAIN or blinds University unwilling Stagecoach theatre arts WORKSHOP
SERVICE made? school where they can 6 action packed days
Design, making and complete to respond learn to act, sing & dance. c ulminating in an
fitting service available Last month's Link carried an item
Large range of material samples by Swindon Friends of the Earth The skills they learn evening performance
Free estimating and advice coordinator Jean Saunders criti- aren't just for the stage. Monday 4th to
Call Tracer or Amanda on cising the University of Bath's They grow in confidence Saturday 9th August
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student campus on an out of town and self-esteem. Call now for more details
r
1- Home Sew Curtain —L site between the Great Western
Supplies hospital and Coate Water. Stagecoach training is a training for life.
1 00's of fabrics in stock Two development companies There's no audition. Enthusiasm is all they need.
from £2.50/metre want to build several hundred
Heading from 25p/metre houses as part of the project. Call Principal Sheryll for a prospectus on
Lining from £1.50/metre We invited the Vice-Chancellor
Cushion pads from £2 each Glynis Breakwell to explain why a 0800 389 768
All types of rails rS
L r greenfield development was more
desirable than building in the town
centre at North Star, which many
Home visits arranged or people in Swindon had been led to STAGECOACH
believe was the likely site of growth
in the 30 year vision plan.
She said that it would be prema-
ture to go into detail about the http://www.stagecoach.co.uk
project at this stage.