Want a say? Think local . . .

The Shropshire branch of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce has launched a campaign to encourage more democracy in local government. Alan Beckley asks: 'Is it time to take the

party politics out of the local picture?'

Power to the people? Early last year, the Labour party trialled schemes to give local people a direct say on how money would be spent on parks, litter and Asbos.

However, the money did not go through the local government system; it was provided separately and was voted on by local people through a system separate to the local councils.

David Cameron, the leader of the Conservative Party said: "I stand before you as a convinced localist," and

communities minister Hazel Blears has said: "My whole political approach is anchored in localism and devolution."

If this is the case, why can't we get something done about the local problems that people face in Shropshire?

Why is it that at a recent meeting in Much Wenlock, not the most reactionary community in the country, we heard

that nothing could be done locally about preventing flooding in the town, nor could further building of new houses, which add to the problem, becurtailed, ?because of government policy.

Turnout to local elections is down at around 35 per cent, whereas in France it is at 60 per cent and Sweden at 80. Is that because in those countries higher percentages of revenue are devolved to local government, or because of voter apathy?

The evidence is actually the opposite; we only need to look at neighbouring Worcestershire to find that. The Independent Kidderminster Hospital and Health Concern party was formed in 2001 when Dr Richard Taylor was elected as the MP for Wyre Forest as an Independent candidate.

Health Concern has also scored success in local elections. After having some ups and downs, it now has 10 members.

The machinations of Whitehall, ?personality politics and the spotlight of the media on individuals are not relevant at local level. National strategies, policies and priorities are frequently not relevant at local level and elected members find it difficult to understand and explain how they are important to local communities.

Each community is different from its neighbour, therefore it is not surprising that each has different requirements, problems and solutions. It seems illogical that party politics set at national level is the best system to answer local problems. Local councillors are constrained to follow the ?party line that may not be the best or appropriate answer for their own community.

The solution . . . take party politics out of local politics.

Read futher opinions by members of the Shropshire branch of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce by clicking on these links:

• What price accountability?
• Why big is not beautiful
• Party lines hit true democracy
• Are promises being kept?
• Why we should value a free Press

* Do you have any views on how local democracy could be changed for the better? Send your comments to Democracy Debate, Features Desk, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford, TF1 5HU, or e-mail [email protected].