Burnham-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory has this week hit out at plans for a huge shake-up of local government across Somerset.
His comments on Tuesday (November 21st) came after the leader of Somerset County Council proposed a single unitary authority for Somerset, to be based in Taunton, which would mean the abolition of five district councils, including Sedgemoor, which covers Burnham.
Mr Heathcoat-Amory, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I will oppose any such break up, which would cost millions and remove local democracy.”
“This proposal is driven by the Government, which wants to impose an even larger authority on us in league with the Liberal Democrats at County Hall who want to destroy the district councils. As usual, the local taxpayer will end up footing the bill.”
He added: “The worst problems of inefficiency and waste which I deal with come from the County Council. This will get worse if they take over the district council responsibilities for planning and housing and much else. This is a politically motivated attack on local democracy and I will do all I can to block it.”
Mr Heathcoat-Amory’s comments will not welcomed by Cathy Bakewell, Leader of Somerset County Council, pictured right, who is backing the plans for the shake-up.
She said: “Residents want services that are excellent, local, efficient and cost effective. It is clear that local people want to have a greater say in how services are provided and want more opportunities for community investment, business development and safer communities.”
She added: “I believe that the County Council needs to take a bold step in bidding for unitary status to ensure that we have a cost effective and streamlined system of local government which serves local peoples needs and local peoples expectations.”
The proposal is to be debated by councillors at a meeting at County Hall on Wednesday (November 22nd).
