Lambeth's Labour councillors have been slammed after failing to pass a motion, backed by one of the borough's Labour MPs, during a recent Council meeting. The motion supported the introduction of a Bill through Parliament that will enable local communities and local councils to have more decision making powers over local issues.
"I am extremely disappointed that Labour councillors failed to support a motion that would promote sustainable and thriving high streets in our town centres and empower local communities to get involved in making it happen," says Cllr Clare Whelan, Conservative Spokesperson for Environment and Culture.
"It was clearly a party political decision. The Bill already has the support of a local Labour MP and an organisation run by the previous Labour Leader of the Council. The only way this Bill will ever become law is by lobbying MPs to sign up to the Early Day Motion. So far 315 MPs from all political parties have become signatories. If Lambeth's three MPs sign up only 6 more names would be needed to secure the support of half the House of Commons."
The All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group recently reported that within 10 years many more high streets could be destroyed if action is not taken to halt the decline of local services and facilities.
Only last month Labour councillors were trying to persuade the Big Lottery Fund to back a £22m renovation of central Brixton, including its street market and other unique features, as a 'living landmark'. They also claim equalities will be at the top of the Council's agenda over the next four years.
"Now they are refusing to support an initiative designed to halt the decline of local services and facilities which affects local communities and in particular the elderly and people on the lowest incomes. It would also affect the availability of local jobs and damage the local economy," added Cllr Whelan.
This issue in the news
David Cameron calls for more local democracy - conservatives.com, Friday 14th July 2006 [Web]
Weblinks
Sustainable Communities Bill Early Day Motion No. 641 - Parliamentary Information Management Service
Local Works - Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill
Big Lottery Fund
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