Local Voice and not Top Down Dictation.

It’s time we had a serious conversation about the future of our local communities. For too long, we’ve seen a "Westminster knows best" approach to how our towns and villages are run, and frankly, it’s not working.

​As your Member of Parliament, I am a firm believer in the power of local decision-making. However, there is a right way and a wrong way to handle devolution.

​"I support devolution and reorganisation where it strengthens communities, but changes must be locally led, properly consulted on, adequately funded and never top-down." Zöe Franklin MP Local Government spokesperson 

​When the government attempts to redraw maps or shift powers without the genuine consent and input of the people living there, it misses the mark. We don't need arbitrary lines on a map; we need empowered residents and local councils that have the resources to actually deliver the services you rely on.

​Unfortunately, the status quo is falling short.

​"The Government's current approach fails to address fundamental issues and undermines trust between national and local government, as I frequently hear in conversations with the Local Government Association." — Zöe Franklin MP

​The Liberal Democrats are committed to a different path. We believe in a federal UK where power is decentralized and pushed as close to the people as possible. Our policies focus on:

​Fairer Funding: Ensuring local authorities aren't left struggling with "shoestring" budgets while being expected to take on more responsibility.

​Community Empowerment: Giving you a real say in the planning and services that affect your daily life. 

Decentralise decision-making from Whitehall and Westminster by inviting local areas to take control of the services that matter to them most.

​Restoring Trust: Moving away from the "command and control" culture of national government to a partnership model with local leaders.

End the top-down reorganisation of councils and the imposition of elected mayors on communities who do not want them.

​You can read more about the Liberal Democrat vision for local government and devolution here:

Manifesto 
www.libdems.org.uk/manifesto

Power people and communities policy.
www.local.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Power%20for%20people%20and%20communities%20Liberal%20Democrat%20Policy%20Paper%20130.pdf

​Our communities are the heartbeat of this country. It's time they were treated with the respect and autonomy they deserve.

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