Event: Renaissance of Local Government?

Renaissance of Local Government?

Friday 22^nd June 2012, 6.00pm – 7.45 pm at Town Hall, Sheffield

Isn't it time for councils to be more than agents of central government?

The last fifty years have seen a growing centralisation of power in England with local government having less autonomy and becoming more and more local administration of central government policy.

The Westminster Select Committee on Political and Constitutional Reform has made some radical proposals which could change this and are consulting on them. This meeting is an opportunity to hear about these changes and their implications, and to discuss how they might improve our democracy.

Speakers include:

• Clive Betts MP,
  
• Howard Sykes (Local Government Association and ex leader of Oldham Council), and
  
• Peter Facey (Director of Unlock Democracy) will help us explore the proposed changes.

Both Sheffield City Council and Sheffield for Democracy will be making (separate) submissions and this discussion will inform our thinking.

You are invited to attend. Entry is free, however places are limited. 

To reserve a place, please contact Richard Cannon either by email via richard.cannon@sheffield.gov.uk or telephone 0114 2736992.

Further information on the draft code for central and local government can be found at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/political-and-constitutional-reform-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/prospects-for-codifying-the-relationship-between-central-and-local-government/.