Madam, – As specifically required by the bailout agreement, taxes will increase and public expenditure will be cut in next December’s budget; and again in the following two budgets – probably beyond. Meanwhile, health, education and social services continue to deteriorate. Despite this, we still have 114 separate local councils (town/city/county) and a myriad of associated bodies. All are funded by the taxpayer.
Clearly a maximum of about 18 local authorities would suffice for this country. And would deliver cost savings, improved efficiencies and much stronger local government capable of encompassing other local public agencies. But not a single local authority has been abolished; nor is such proposed by any party. Why? Because it affects their own councillors: so much for promises of public sector reform. It’s now wake-up time! The country is broke. Time for our politicians to reform.
No time for more studies/reports to delay action while ordinary citizens endure increasing taxes and public services disintegrate. Genuine local authority rationalisation is now urgent and essential and must form an integral part of December’s budget. Let us not hear of further austerity cuts, unless our politicians lead the way.
– Yours, etc,