Published 11th July, 1994. "Strong Enough to Care?"
An internal inquiry into Social Services has highlighted alarming failures and weaknesses within the department.
There is some intrigue over the future of the Director and of the Chairman.
I can report on this at the special branch meeting.
Local Government Review.
The Commission have presented three options for the future.
Option 1, the preferred option, advocates a unitary City and status quo elsewhere.
Option 2 suggests 4 unitary authorities; with Nottingham combined with Broxtowe and Gedling Districts.
Option 3, which no-one is taking seriously, advocates unitary councils based on the existing District Councils, save for the division of Bassetlaw between Mansfield and Newark & Sherwood.
County Council's Response.
At a full debate, the County decided to recognise the preferred option, provided the Commission could demonstrate that the change had the support of the public.
So far, opinion surveys in the County show that 78% do not want to see any change.
Identification.
One of the surprises is the Commission's discovery that -
more people in the City identify with the County than the City;
more people in Gedling and Broxtowe Districts identified with the City, than their own Districts.
Services and Costs.
The impact of a re-organisation on services is debatable.
The Commission is not clear that Option 1 saves money.
In debate, I highlighted other areas of concern - clout & strategic planning.
Clout.
Because Notts. represents 1 million people, it has the authority and resources to provide more effective representation and campaigning, e.g. opposing pit closures.
City Strangled.
I believe option 1 threatens the future of the City.
Strategic planning (incl. new roads and development) around the City would be outside of the City's control.
Impetus behind new trams and a commuter railway could be lost.
The conditions would be right for doughnut development around the city and increasing the social segregation already taking place.
Conurbation.
None of the options seek to unite the conurbation.
If change must be accepted, I believe the City's boundaries under option 1 ought to be extended to include towns such as Arnold, Carlton, Beeston, Stapleford and West Bridgford.
It wouldn't be popular because it does not guarantee a Labour majority.
Oppose Any Change.
Nor is there any prospect of this gaining local support, so I shall be campaigning against any change to Local Gov't in Notts.
Indeed, it may never happen.
Sherwood Shopping Centre.
The Sherwood Shopkeepers Association are holding a meeting on Thursday 14th.
Cases.
99 in 1994.
Comments