The National Green Party has voiced strong criticism of the government’s White Paper on local government reorganization, arguing that the proposals risk weakening local democracy rather than strengthening it. The reforms prioritize centralized “super-councils” and regional mayoral offices, pulling power further away from local communities.
Local councils play a vital role in driving meaningful change on many issues such as energy-efficient housing, river pollution, social care reform, and local economic development. Empowering local councils, rather than sidelining them, is essential for effective local governance and close representation of communities.
Whilst there are potential benefits from managing some areas, such as public transport, at a wider, strategic level, by shifting power away from councils, it risks deepening public disillusionment with politics and eroding trust in democratic processes.
The Green Party is calling for genuine decentralization, emphasizing that decisions should be made as close as possible to the communities they affect. The key requirements are:
• Local decision-making: Ensure decisions are made at the closest possible level to the people affected.
• Community trust: Empower local communities to shape their own futures.
• Fair investment: Provide councils with adequate funding to drive meaningful change.
• Proportional representation: Implement fair voting in local elections.
Green Party MP Ellie Chowns voiced her concerns during a parliamentary debate, stating, “I welcome the elements of this White Paper that are about devolution, but we have to recognize that some elements are about concentration.” She warned that replacing local tiers with mayoral authorities risks creating a “democratic deficit”, especially given the low voter turnout (30% on average) in mayoral elections.
Chowns pressed the government to address this risk and urged for the introduction of proportional voting systems in local elections. The Green Party’s overarching message is clear: devolution must genuinely empower local communities, not distance them from decision-making processes. They pledge to continue advocating for local councils to retain and expand their role in leading green transformation across the country.
Local Response from Central Meon Valley Councillors…
Central Meon Valley Councillors Danny Lee, Malcolm Wallace, and Suzanne White have committed to minimising the impact of the proposed changes on local decision-making and democratic accountability. They emphasized the need for local input on key priorities, including housing, environmental protection, local economy and infrastructure improvements.
“As plans develop, we will work hard to ensure the impact on local decision-making and democratic accountability is minimised,” the councillors stated. “This includes ensuring local inputs into prioritisation of the right homes in the right places, supporting nature, climate, local economy, and transport improvements.”
Cllr Danny Lee added, “The timelines for the reorganisation of Winchester and the Meon Valley are still being worked on, but the Government has committed to collaborating with local councils to develop and implement transition plans. Specific timelines for the dissolution of existing councils and the establishment of new unitary authorities will be determined during this phase. So, for now it is business as usual”
For more information on the White Paper and the Local Government Association’s https://www.local.gov.uk/parliament/briefings-and-responses/devolution-white-paper-day-factual-briefing