Maybe because I’m involved in local government I’m often asked ‘what does the council actually do for us?’  Trouble is, there are so many different types of council!  (Parish, District, County, Unitary…) so its not easy.

Liberal Democrats have long campaigned to decentralise power from Westminster (and Europe!… in certain cases) We want decisions made close to the communities that are affected by them.  

In Scotland and Wales this means more powers need to go to the Parliament and Assembly.  In England its less clear.  I personally would like to see the regional government we already have ‘democratised’ and with ‘English Devolution’ (ie powers from the UK Parliament given to regional councils and/or local authorities) 

There is so many QUANGOs that make decisions and spend tax-payers money.  We need to bring them to acount, and do so locally!