Local Government Devolution: a threat to our local democracy?

In December the Government published plans to get rid of district and county councils. There are now proposals to replace the current system of seven councils in Gloucestershire with just one or two ‘unitary’ councils. Sitting above these unitary councils would be even larger ‘strategic authorities’ headed by a Mayor serving around 1.5m people, over whom local communities would have little oversight or control.

Is this a simpler, cheaper and more accountable structure for local government in the 21st century? Does it make local politicians more accountable - or is it cover for cuts to local services, stealing away local decision making, and locking in central control, with mayors accountable to government rather than local people

This ‘Question Time’-style debate is brought together by Stroud District Green Party, but will be independently chaired and moderated, with an expert cross party panel of local politicians.

If you value local democracy, come, make your voice heard and join the debate!

There will be opportunities to ask questions on the evening but if you would like to submit a question in advance please send it by email to
data@stroudgreens.org.uk

There will be photographers roving during the meeting, please let organisers in the room know if you’re uncomfortable with this.