Nik Butler: Devolution and political progress

With apologies to John Lennon and The Beatles.
JPCT 120314 S14110969x Nik Butler -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141203-095917001JPCT 120314 S14110969x Nik Butler -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141203-095917001
JPCT 120314 S14110969x Nik Butler -photo by Steve Cobb SUS-141203-095917001

You say you want a devolution well, we know you all want to change the county. You tell us that it’s evolution well, you know we all heard to these promises before. But when you talk about developments; Don’t you know that you can count me out.

Devolution must be catching; if its not North versus South then its Scotland versus England and a question as to just how much authority should be invested in so few people. It is certainly an interesting ‘development’ that within a few months of bunking up with its new flatmate at County Hall North discussions in distribution of authority and spending are on the table for conversation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I do wonder how those members of the Horsham Neighbourhood Blueprint along with supporters of establishing a council for the unparished areas of Horsham will react. Does this new found desire for democratic distribution of dues extend to the view that a new Parish may be formed?

Of course this initial offering of reducing the ‘hands on’ nature of Whitehall from local affairs will initially trickle down towards the County Council and one wonders how in turn those new powers will then transfer with both County and District councils currently increasing their efficiencies through shared occupancies and communications. These conversations though should not be confused with discussions regarding Unitary authorities; the discussion, for it is hardly a debate, over devolution is not the same as the previous proposition to scrap the borough and district councils removing the two tiers.

What I am left wondering is how this possible restructuring figures in to the rather conservative philosophy of free markets; are the councils not reducing their bulk buying power by being forced to compete with other authorities for the lowest bidders. How can local councils impact national organisations in terms of transport or educational services. On the whole the idea seems like progress and opportunity but when asking who really benefits from this it seems to me that suppliers and service providers will have more customers to deal with.

Just as the Beatles song professed doubt of political tactics in its era so it seems to mirror the Sussex philosophy which attempts to change our minds through alternative political approaches will be met with equal skepticism. I’m sure though just as the song says it will be alright, alright, alright.