|
Suffolk Unitary Authority UPDATE |
|
Written by IreneTibbenham
|
|
Tuesday, 09 June 2009 |
|
The government has delayed the announcement regarding one or two unitary authorities for Suffolk until 15th July 2009.
The reason for this is that other counties are challenging the decision in the High Court. However, though the revised closing date for representations was in mid-May, you are still able to give your view via their online submission form. http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/boundary-reviews/open-consultations/online-submissions Secondly, for those who are interested, the financial aspects, these can be viewed at the electoral commission web-site as follows: http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/news-and-media/news-releases/boundary-committee-news-centre/structural-reviews/possible-costs-of-unitary-local-government-in-suffolk-published Three criteria the new structure must bring is:
- strategic leadership
- neighbourhood empowerment
- and value-for-money services
Interestingly, the Secretary of State’s guidance made it clear that, whatever pattern of unitary local government is established it must be affordable. In particular, the transitional costs of any change must be capable of being paid back within five years and all costs associated with structural change must be met locally without increasing council tax on average for the specific purpose of meeting transition costs.
|
