A new Local Government Bill is to cut red tape for all councils and give additional responsibilities to the top performing authorities.

All councils will be allowed to borrow capital for investment within "prudent limits".

Forum Response: CABE

A spokesman for CABE told ePolitix.com: "Exciting opportunities are afoot for the modernisation of local government. CABE believes that effective local leadership is essential for achieving better quality public buildings and spaces."

Forum Response: Local Government Association

Sir Jeremy Beecham, chair of the Local Government Association, said: "This bill signals a relaxation of central control over local affairs. Many of the proposals are an essential first step if the government is to travel the road towards freedom and flexibility for local councils.

"We have long argued that councils should be free to decide what they should borrow to invest, based on what they can afford and local need, rather than Whitehall control. This would lead to more and better planning of long term improvement projects.

"Today we have seen the government take some first steps on that path, but unfortunately they have also taken steps back. There is still a Whitehall knows best ethos that we need to confront if local government is to be freed up to properly represent local people and meet their needs."

Forum Response: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Geraldine Peacock, chief executive of Guide Dogs, told ePolitix.com: "The modernisation of local government, emphasising the quality of local service delivery, holds out the possibility of better and more social services for blind and partially sighted people."

Forum Response: ACCA

A spokesman for ACCA told ePolitix.com: "ACCA will be analysing in detail proposals relating to the financial management of councils. ACCA will also examine any proposals for small business rates relief, to assess whether they will be of genuine benefit to the small business sector.

"ACCA believes that, in the long-term, it is the rating system itself which should be reformed, as a more equitable business rates system would negate the need for a small business rates relief system."

Governmental Response: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

A spokesman for the OfDPM told ePolitix.com: "The Local Government Bill will be a significant step towards delivering our vision for local government and the communities it serves. Our priority is to improve public services and local government is a crucial partner in making this happen.

"The Bill gives greater freedoms and flexibilities to all authorities, while awarding additional incentives to high performing councils to help them deliver more effective services and to be more responsive to the needs of their local communities.

"It will also promote greater partnership between councils and local businesses so that they can work together to improve town centres and commercial areas."