Shake-up could see 'death of democracy' (From Gazette & Herald)

Shake-up could see 'death of democracy'

A STRONG "hands off" message was sent out from Ryedale House to the local government minister David Milliband over his plans for another shake-up of local government.

Coun Keith Knaggs told Ryedale District Council (RDC) that the changes, which are likely to be revealed in a Government White Paper in June, could see Ryedale become part of a unitary authority with a population of 250,000 people. He believed the Government had a model in mind which would see local authorities run by a cabinet and a mayor, and with neighbourhood councillors.

"We do have authorities already which match that - Doncaster, which is not exactly a role model," said Coun Knaggs.

He added: "If you have a small number of professional politicians earning substantial salaries, then the quality and variety of people standing is going to diminish. We should have the moral courage to stand up and say what we think."

Coun Edward Legard forecast that under the possible new authority, which would replace RDC and North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) in their present form, councillors would be "merely messengers", but it was important that RDC did not go down the road of self-preservation, but instead would agree changes and modernisation of the system if it was to the benefit of the area.

However, he warned that the potential scheme would disenfranchise local people.

Coun Paul Andrews said RDC should promote the positive side of the present two-tier local government system - RDC and NYCC - and how good it was for people living in rural areas.

Coun Howard Keal feared that a bigger local government system would "amount to the death of local democracy", adding: "What we would have is the 'son' of regional assemblies by the back door. We should do everything now to oppose it and dig in for a hard fight."

But Coun Pamela Anderson said there were some merits in what Mr Milliband was suggesting for the future of local government and they should be considered and constructive comments made about them - a view which was backed by Coun Helen Schroeder, who added: "I am sure some sort of unitary local government is going to happen."

The issue is to be discussed in detail by RDC's policy and resources committee at its next meeting.

Coun Legard urged RDC to give priority to the setting up of a high-tech business park in the district, which, he said, would help the district's young people to obtain employment and allow them to avoid having to move away from Ryedale. He believed such a scheme should take priority over providing a new sports facility in the Malton area.

Coun Nellie Trevalyan unsuccessfully moved that RDC should review its lease on Malton Market Place with the Fitzwilliam Estate.

Updated: 15:34 Wednesday, February 22, 2006