MP calls for 'super-authority' to oversee East Lancashire

10:01am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

AN MP is calling for a ‘super authority’to oversee East Lancashire.

Hyndburn and Haslingden MP Graham Jones has called for an overarching ‘East Lancashire Authority’ to replace Pendle, Burnley, Rossendale, Hyndburn, Ribble Valley and Blackburn Councils.

Mr Jones believes the move would save money and be more efficient. He said: “There has been some discussion recently regarding the idea of reorganising of East Lancashire local authorities.

“It’s driven by frustration at the two-tier system where Lancashire County Council has almost 80 per cent of the council tax and cuts to local district councils that go so deep they are no longer able to provide services efficiently.

“Many across East Lancashire feel having six executives in each department, six managers in all senior posts is wasteful and duplicitous. Hyndburn and Burnley Borough Councils are in the top eight local authorities in terms of how much they are being hit by budget cuts.

“We shouldn’t hold on to existing structures simply because they have been there for a long time or that little empires are vestiges of democracy.

“It will save money, it will cut out duplicity and protect services; protect those who rely on councils for adult social care, for education, and for all the other services that are being hit by the Government’s cuts. Services provided from a distant Preston.

“It’s time for more localism and it makes sense to look at how these services are delivered in East Lancashire. If a pooled, unitary and eastern-based local authority could better deliver services under the financial realities of the day then why should we oppose it?

“Now is the time to provide better, cheaper and more democratised services to our residents.”

Comments (8)

10:41am Mon 4 Mar 13

clickhere says...

I'm all from Mr Jones suggestion that merging local authorities "will cut out duplicity"
Everyone will support the removal of deceitfulness from our local politics.
But I fear that our local councillors will find it difficult to get their heads round this altogether new concept.
I'm all from Mr Jones suggestion that merging local authorities "will cut out duplicity" Everyone will support the removal of deceitfulness from our local politics. But I fear that our local councillors will find it difficult to get their heads round this altogether new concept. clickhere

10:49am Mon 4 Mar 13

woolywords says...

Did he say duplicitous, when he meant to say, duplication? Am all for a Freudian slip but this one was a bit strong.

Hasn't this chestnut been mooted many times before and been dismissed for various reasons, from cost and remoteness to the populace?
Did he say duplicitous, when he meant to say, duplication? Am all for a Freudian slip but this one was a bit strong. Hasn't this chestnut been mooted many times before and been dismissed for various reasons, from cost and remoteness to the populace? woolywords

11:07am Mon 4 Mar 13

Izanears says...

Big is not beautiful. Pendle already loses out by being run from Preston. It would disappear off the map if there was a bigger authority. And don't kid yourself money would be saved with a bigger authority. There would just be BIGGER opportunities to waste it.
Big is not beautiful. Pendle already loses out by being run from Preston. It would disappear off the map if there was a bigger authority. And don't kid yourself money would be saved with a bigger authority. There would just be BIGGER opportunities to waste it. Izanears

11:24am Mon 4 Mar 13

mavrick says...

The idea of a super East Lancs authority has been mooted many times over the years. The career politicians who support the idea will be pleased if it ever gets the go ahead. We all know there are savings to be made by economy of scale but if it is so obvious why has it not gone ahead before now? Big is definitely not beautiful when it comes to councils, They are remote enough now. It is more local representation and accountability we need not less.Perhaps we need to re evaluate our whole system of democracy and representation. The recession and austerity being forced on the country for political gain is quite worrying, I don,t think this is the right time to have a reasoned debate about replacing local councils. You can't have such a debate with a financial gun to your head. No matter what we choose it will cost money, The days of Councillors doing the job for no pay are well and truly over. In a realistic world Councillors do have jobs and should not lose out when taking time off for council duties, Alternatively we will have to have full time Councillors paid a proper salary. whatever happens the idea has to be genuinely discussed with people. Their views must be taken on board. This is a national issue not just a Lancashire issue. But now is not the right time. There are other possible alternatives to be considered.
The idea of a super East Lancs authority has been mooted many times over the years. The career politicians who support the idea will be pleased if it ever gets the go ahead. We all know there are savings to be made by economy of scale but if it is so obvious why has it not gone ahead before now? Big is definitely not beautiful when it comes to councils, They are remote enough now. It is more local representation and accountability we need not less.Perhaps we need to re evaluate our whole system of democracy and representation. The recession and austerity being forced on the country for political gain is quite worrying, I don,t think this is the right time to have a reasoned debate about replacing local councils. You can't have such a debate with a financial gun to your head. No matter what we choose it will cost money, The days of Councillors doing the job for no pay are well and truly over. In a realistic world Councillors do have jobs and should not lose out when taking time off for council duties, Alternatively we will have to have full time Councillors paid a proper salary. whatever happens the idea has to be genuinely discussed with people. Their views must be taken on board. This is a national issue not just a Lancashire issue. But now is not the right time. There are other possible alternatives to be considered. mavrick

11:26am Mon 4 Mar 13

clickhere says...

The plan has merit and is worth discussion, because we are certainly going nowhere as things stand.
However, will councillor turkeys vote for Christmas?
The most recent example of sitting tenants stopping progress was the defeat of plans to reduce the number of MPs at Westminster.
Graham Jones made almost exactly the opposite arguments against this reduction in MP numbers, as were made by him today, for his suggestion to amalgamate East Lancashire authorities.
Maybe the use of the word duplicitous wasn’t a Freudian slip after all.
The plan has merit and is worth discussion, because we are certainly going nowhere as things stand. However, will councillor turkeys vote for Christmas? The most recent example of sitting tenants stopping progress was the defeat of plans to reduce the number of MPs at Westminster. Graham Jones made almost exactly the opposite arguments against this reduction in MP numbers, as were made by him today, for his suggestion to amalgamate East Lancashire authorities. Maybe the use of the word duplicitous wasn’t a Freudian slip after all. clickhere

11:49am Mon 4 Mar 13

district01 says...

Rather like making all football teams become one. But who would the players be playing for?

Just imagine if Jack Straw became the spokesperson of that pack and his son taking over his reigns after he finally retires.

To provide his son with his safe seat in Blackburn is Jack Straw‘s final strategy. The last stone that will finally break Blackburn’s back!
Rather like making all football teams become one. But who would the players be playing for? Just imagine if Jack Straw became the spokesperson of that pack and his son taking over his reigns after he finally retires. To provide his son with his safe seat in Blackburn is Jack Straw‘s final strategy. The last stone that will finally break Blackburn’s back! district01

3:10pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Venomp says...

I rather see East lancs
I rather see East lancs Venomp

5:15pm Mon 4 Mar 13

nmclean77 says...

I assume the MP's will not go for this for fear of being kicked off the gravy-train - even for an MP to suggest this sounds bizarre, because what guarantees has he got of keeping his massive salary and associated benefits?
I assume the MP's will not go for this for fear of being kicked off the gravy-train - even for an MP to suggest this sounds bizarre, because what guarantees has he got of keeping his massive salary and associated benefits? nmclean77

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