Flint Slams Coalition's 'Gun to the Head' Localism

Shadow Communities minister Caroline Flint has slammed the Government's localism proposals, labelling them "cynical" and "unfair". Responding to the publication of the Localism Bill she said the Government's plans ring hollow when at the same time they are cutting local government by 27% on average over the next four years. She said: “The Tories’ belief in localism is cynical and unfair. It’s offering councils devolution while holding a gun to their head. “Labour is in favour of giving people a greater say in the way their local communities and services are run. Some aspects of the Localism Bill build on reforms we made to local government in recent years. The reality is though the coalition's decision to hit lower and middle income neighbourhoods with the heaviest cuts in the next twelve months will inevitably impact on the vital frontline services families rely on, jobs and growth. The most deprived communities look set to lose out most from the government’s decisions on grants and council tax, while councils in the most prosperous areas are favoured.” Read more on 24dash.