No mention of devolution in manifestos

Published on Monday 19 April 2010 21:14

I have just browsed the Labour, Lib Dem and Tory manifestos looking for any mention of devolving power to local communities.

The Labour manifesto proposes that local authorities should be more accountable to the public, but its Total Place agenda seems to be more about saving money than giving power to the people.

The Lib Dems, traditionally "localist" in outlook, would give people a say over policing and health provision, and create neighbourhood justice panels to decide on the punishment of petty criminals. The Conservatives offer communities the right to buy community assets and bid to run local services instead of the state.

The SNP is due to publish its manifesto this week, but judging by past performance and recent press statements it would seem that Mr Salmond and co have little or nothing to say on this matter (which I find strange, given that their whole raison d'tre is to empower Scots).

It seems that none of the main parties recognises the unique state of powerlessness in which Scots, compared with the English, find themselves.

While Scots were robbed of their parish councils in 1930, England's parish councils continue to deliver a wide range of services, with an emphasis on the environment and the arts. The process of politically castrating Scots was completed in 1975 with the abolition of burgh councils. Thus, while England retains a tier of government that is truly local, Scotland has community councils that are powerless and ignored. I believe that the devolution of meaningful power to Scotland's 1,200 community councils could be the start of a democratic and cultural renaissance, in which everyone has a role in the wellbeing and governance of their local communities.

MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Chairman

Convention of Perth and Kinross Community Councils

Precinct Street

Coupar Angus