Quote:
Originally Posted by jaysay
For once I can agree with you Graham, I have long been an advocate of Unitary Authorities, Hyndburn should have taken that road when Blackburn decided to go it alone back in the 90s, it would mean everything raised in rates (council tax) would be retained and spent here in Hyndburn, plus streamlining of local government officialdom, cutting down on unneeded staff. Its an eye opener going to county hall, I couldn't believe how many people were walking about with a piece of paper in their hand looking busy.
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I appreciate that John.
There's clearly two sides to this argument. A local small advocate, the district council offers accountability that would be at risk with a larger authority.
The counter view, my view is that already happens with county providing 72% of the services. Strategic clout offers more benefits than the the comfort of a district council. Then there's duplication of well paid staff and division of responsibility between upper and lower local government.
I appreciate that Guinness has made some articulate points and that's the way it should be if we are to make Hyndburn a better place. Progressive debate.
What I'd want to say in response to the list is its about the big issues. 12 months ago I was told by LCC CEO that the pupil premium in Hyndburn was lower than it should be. That HBC had personal data that could identify 00's of pupils entitled to free school meals triggering a pupil premium to that school. I got HBC with the leaders help to write twice to every family that looked like they may be entitled. I had no interest in broadcasting this effort until the papers wanted to print a story that Hyndburn schools this year were to receive huge increases in funding via the pupil premium. That's what I mean about commitment, about important issues, about having an MP who is continually striving for this area.
This like quite a few issues is under most people's radar but we've made a different to tight school budgets.