Denham will push on with community powers

15 Jun 09
Newly appointed Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham has pledged to consider strengthening both councils’ powers and communities’ powers to hold them to account.

By Alex Klaushofer

12 June 2009

12 June 2009

Newly appointed Communities and Local Government Secretary John Denham has pledged to consider strengthening both councils’ powers and communities’ powers to hold them to account.

The announcement – Denham’s first since he replaced Hazel Blears in Gordon Brown’s reshuffle – forms part of the wide-ranging programme of constitutional reforms announced by the prime minister on June 10.

Brown’s proposed reforms include a Bill enshrining tougher sanctions against MPs guilty of misconduct, to be published by the parliamentary recess, and changes to the voting system in the longer term.

Denham said that the government would also consult on measures to enhance citizens’ role in running their communities. ‘Strong local democracy is dependent on councils that are effective, responsive and accountable, and well positioned to serve local people,’ he said.

‘If councils are to fulfil this role successfully we need to step back, put local government on a surer footing and move towards less central direction, clearer accountability and more freedom to adapt services in response to the voice of local people.’

Constitutional expert Professor Vernon Bogdanor welcomed the prime minister’s proposals. ‘I think he’s broadly on the right lines,’ he said. ‘The expenses controversy shows that Parliament was a bit insulated from the public – it is a sensible thing to do.’

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