DEVOLUTION Latest

Devolution of powers to local authorities in terms of finances to achieve much-needed growth in terms of infrastructure and strategy can only be a good thing.

The question is simply one of how local is local.

Our interest and focus are from a Forest of Dean perspective first and foremost but with a keen eye on our friends in other Gloucestershire districts

Although we cannot be against reform, it's the level of reform that needs to be questioned and debated by all. Also, the reasoning for such reform should be fair and evidenced.

Devolving powers to large county regions that have little or no connection with their local communities and have, in the past, struggled to deliver their current services is simply a way of saving operational costs and offering more control to that region's executive.

District and Parish Councils are local government personified. They understand the challenges local communities face, they know how to resolve issues or solve problems that benefit the local communities. And they know what works.

Currently, the 6 Gloucestershire Districts have 240 Councillors serving an electorate of around 450000 good Gloucestershire folk, that is about 1900 people for each councillor to look after

We will not even consider a further 51 Gloucestershire County Councilors currently in situ ( well why would we?) that will also be lost.

Now let us consider a similarly rural, if a little smaller, county in Dorset.

Dorset has been a UNITARY authority in a similar mode to what is being proposed for Gloucestershire for a few years

Its electorate is smaller at around 300000 and they have 82 Councillors

That is 3600 people for each councillor

Now perhaps this is the way to go

But let's be clear, this will not mean more direct funding for Forest of Dean Roads or infrastructure projects. It will not mean quicker planning decisions, it isn't making the Government smaller and it's certainly not about real local people having a genuine say in local issues that affect them.

Like the WASPI U-turn, like the Winter fuel payments and like whatever the next cut is, this is simply about money

That is fine, but be honest with the electorate.

Many people may welcome the demise of the district council, they may well enjoy watching the doors closed or the last time in Coleford.

The reality may dawn quicker than we think.