Devolution of cities

[-Boomer- 10]

Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32726171 Does it provide scope for more social cleansing and provide councils with more control of finances and promote regional laws? If so, why the need for central government?

[Magilla 510]

Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32726171 Does it provide scope for more social cleansing and provide councils with more control of finances and promote regional laws? If so, why the need for central government?

 

What was up with your last account? Why do you need a new one?

[Eater Sundae 12]

Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32726171 Does it provide scope for more social cleansing and provide councils with more control of finances and promote regional laws? If so, why the need for central government?

 

According to the article, a new Greater Manchester will have decision making over £7 billion of spending, whereas the current councils have control over £5 billion. Presumably the decisions regarding the spending of the current £2 billion difference now lies with Westminster.

 

I see this as potentially a good idea in principle, as it will give more local control, so the ruling body will be better able to meet the needs of their local area.

 

However, the benefits will probably only be marginal, as it is only a small change to the control that the body will have - still worth having, though.

 

On a political level, it will give a government more chance to pass on any blame for local failures - rightly so if the local body is underperforming.

[Jeffrey Shaw 90]

Sadly, HMG and Civil Servants do not understand the difference between cities and counties.

Q

Is Greater Manchester:

a. a city (Metropolitan Borough); or

b. a Metropolitan County?

 

[A: 'b']

[Harrystottle 10]

English "regionalism" is a subset of EU Federalism.

[tinfoilhat 11]

English "regionalism" is a subset of EU Federalism.

 

How's that then?

[Harleyman 12]

Not sure whether this is a good or bad thing. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-32726171 Does it provide scope for more social cleansing and provide councils with more control of finances and promote regional laws? If so, why the need for central government?

 

Not a good idea if you still believe in a one nation state rather than a collection of states such as Germany was until the last part of the 19th century

[Harrystottle 10]

How's that then?

 

The biggest political party in the EU is the European People's Party, who believe in an EU of the regions.

 

Basically, just google "A Europe of the Regions" or "An EU of the regions" and a lot of stuff will become clearer.

 

England is subdivided into 8 or 9 EU regions, created in 1994 after the earlier Maastricht treaty. Long term there is a body of thought within the EU that wishes to rule regions direct from Brussels.

 

The concept of en EU of the regions is well known in Europe, but politicians and the UK media have conspired to keep the concept as far away from UK voters as possible.

 

Regionalism is presented as being a uniquely English phenomenon but it is not. Why, when the concept of regional assemblies was voted down in 2004, does the question of devolution of powers to the regions keep coming back up when there is no public demand for it?

 

Because it is being driven by factions within the EU.

[tinfoilhat 11]

The biggest political party in the EU is the European People's Party, who believe in an EU of the regions.

 

Basically, just google "A Europe of the Regions" or "An EU of the regions" and a lot of stuff will become clearer.

 

England is subdivided into 8 or 9 EU regions, created in 1994 after the earlier Maastricht treaty. Long term there is a body of thought within the EU that wishes to rule regions direct from Brussels.

 

The concept of en EU of the regions is well known in Europe, but politicians and the UK media have conspired to keep the concept as far away from UK voters as possible.

 

Regionalism is presented as being a uniquely English phenomenon but it is not. Why, when the concept of regional assemblies was voted down in 2004, does the question of devolution of powers to the regions keep coming back up when there is no public demand for it?

 

Because it is being driven by factions within the EU.

 

I'm surprised they are keen on that actually - they aren't that keen separatism. Let's be honest if the catalonians could have their own independent homeland they'd have it - just like the scots (deep down) would, and other places I'm sure.

[El Cid 213]

I'm surprised they are keen on that actually - they aren't that keen separatism. Let's be honest if the catalonians could have their own independent homeland they'd have it - just like the scots (deep down) would, and other places I'm sure.

 

We should have local taxation that goes straight to a local authority. People would then get some real localism, not random authorities spending money if they have a Mayor.

It could be the local rates or a local income tax. The governing party need to show some leadership and get a fair system.

[Harrystottle 10]

Does anybody really think that it would be a good idea for Sheffield Council to be allowed to set it's own tax rates?

[Harleyman 12]

Terrible idea. The taxes would go so high that businesses would be leaving the city in droves