Burnham's Mayoral Budget proposal “not a serious plan to empower communities” - Franklin

Burnham's Mayoral Budget proposal “not a serious plan to empower communities” - Franklin

Responding to the leaked Budget news which outlines Andy Burnham's plans to give regional mayors more funding, Zöe Franklin MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government, said:

"The Liberal Democrats have always championed a simple principle, decisions affecting local communities should be made by the people who live in them. It is high time Labour caught up.

"Yet this announcement creates far more confusion than clarity. What does this 'transitional' funding actually mean for the Prime Minister’s pledge that no area will be forced into a mayoralty? And will council leaders be able to access this money directly, or will it remain trapped at the mayoral level?

“This is not a serious plan to empower communities. Local leaders need long-term certainty, not another Whitehall beauty contest pitting cash-strapped councils against one another. After weeks of rumour, Wednesday’s Budget must deliver real substance, otherwise this mountain of briefings isn't worth the paper it’s leaked on.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

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