Commenting on the recent Government announcement regarding devolution, Leader of Horsham District Council Cllr Martin Boffey said:
“We welcome the exciting opportunities that true devolution can bring to our area if operated on a whole of Sussex footprint, which matches that of the current Police and Health authorities.
“However, the Government’s proposal for local government reorganisation represents centralisation of this council’s services to a higher level. The services we run, and local democratic accountability work best when delivered as close to our residents as possible, as the District Council does at present.
“The Government’s stated preferred population of 500,000 residents for each new unitary council is both large and not proven. Currently only 11 of the 130 unitary councils in Britain have over 500,000 residents. There are significant risks that this will erode public trust in local government and result in institutions which are remote and have little direct engagement with the communities they serve and represent.
“Nevertheless, the Government has stated its intention clearly and has a huge majority in Parliament with which to force through its plans. We will therefore work closely with our neighbouring authorities and our County Council to deliver the best possible solution for Horsham District’s residents and businesses.”