Local government white paper

ePolitix.com Stakeholders respond to the release of the local government white paper.

 

 

 

Stakeholder Response: Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Andrew Barnett, director of policy development and communications at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: "Among the other broadly welcome proposals, we especially endorse the emphasis the government has placed in the white paper on encouraging a wider range of people to serve their communities as a councillor and to address the obstacles some - particularly women and those of working age - face in doing so.

 

"Strong and prosperous communities require diverse and representative councillors able to give effective local leadership.

 

"But alongside government action, the political parties themselves need to build on some of the currently fairly isolated examples of good practice in the way candidates are recruited and selected for local elections."

 

 

 

Stakeholder Response: NCVO

 

 

Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO said: "We have long been talking about the need to transform local government and its relationship with the communities it serves. 

 

"Allowing people to become more involved, through devolved decision making represents a significant step towards reducing the local democratic deficit and engaging with people.

 

"We are particularly pleased with the white paper’s recognition of the voluntary and community sector’s role in bringing about a new kind of local government that truly meets local needs. 

 

"Indeed, government has endorsed many of the recommendations we made in our paper on transforming local government; recognising the diversity of the sector, working in partnership with voluntary organisations and involving local users and communities in designing and commissioning services.

 

"While we, like government, realise that the relationship between voluntary organisations and local councils has not always been perfect, we look forward to working with the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Association in order to bring about a real transformation in local government. 

 

"The important thing to remember is that this is not the end, it’s just the beginning."