[Livia]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

Corruption is rife in many many local councils. If the next government were to sort that out, reducing the deficit would become a lot more bearable to many. Funny that not one of the parties has mention it

There are local district and parish elections going on alongside the general election. That's where you cast your vote for local government. All the parties will have all kinds of local literature going out with the names of the candidates and most people will be getting stuff in the post. The general election is for national matters.

[bots]

Originally Posted by Livia

There are local district and parish elections going on alongside the general election. That's where you cast your vote for local government. All the parties will have all kinds of local literature going out with the names of the candidates and most people will be getting stuff in the post. The general election is for national matters.

Yes, but ultimately, its the UK government that gives the councils their power to operate, and can therefore dictate the terms under which they are run. Nothing to do with council elections.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

Yes, but ultimately, its the UK government that gives the councils their power to operate, and can therefore dictate the terms under which they are run. Nothing to do with council elections.

Local councils are part-funded by local government. It's not likely a Conservative government would have much of a say in how a Labour council is run.

[bots]

Originally Posted by Livia

Local councils are part-funded by local government. It's not likely a Conservative government would have much of a say in how a Labour council is run.

They absolutely can, I refer you back to the times of Maggie Thatcher if you are in any doubt, and what she did to sort out issues of the day at that time.

Councils are not beyond the law by any means, their revenue raising capability is granted by central government, and without that power, they can't run

[Livia]

Originally Posted by bitontheslide

They absolutely can, I refer you back to the times of Maggie Thatcher if you are in any doubt, and what she did to sort out issues of the day at that time.

Councils are not beyond the law by any means, their revenue raising capability is granted by central government, and without that power, they can't run

Yes, I understand all that. You said that council corruption hadn't been covered by the parliamentary campaign. But why would a parliamentary campaign push local council issues? The government is involved in the Tower Hamlets episode now, Eric Pickles is on the case. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and safe?

[bots]

Originally Posted by Livia

Yes, I understand all that. You said that council corruption hadn't been covered by the parliamentary campaign. But why would a parliamentary campaign push local council issues? The government is involved in the Tower Hamlets episode now, Eric Pickles is on the case. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and safe?

There is plenty of scope for money to be saved, that was my point, and without cutting public services either. They expect the average person to clench their cheeks and take austerity, but don't target genuine areas were huge savings could be made.