One council for Wiltshire "The benefits are clear" says government minister
| Published: 6th October 2008 13:32 |
Wiltshire Council - we're on track - was the clear message to the minister when he met the Implementation Executive, the board of councillors overseeing the transition to one new council. How people can influence local decision making was discussed along with how the new council will make it easier for people to get in touch and access services locally.
"Wiltshire is showing how local government can be better, closer to the people it serves, and can deliver better local services. The benefits are clear - better use of taxpayers' money, better local services and stronger local leadership to deliver the economic development that is so needed today across Wiltshire. That's why we gave the go-ahead to these local proposals for change", explained John Healey in a statement released by the department for communities and local government following his visit.
The minister also took time to visit the one council for Wiltshire roadshow which has recently toured the county to talk to local residents about the move to one council. He was interested to hear their feedback and some of their suggestions for a strap line for the new council.
Jane Scott, Chair of the Implementation Executive said; "The minister was delighted with our progress to merge the councils in Wiltshire and was clearly pleased that we are on target and on budget. He recognised the amount of work involved and hard work and commitment to make sure that there is a smooth transition from five councils to one council".
The minister also met with partner organisations and visited the county's own Sparkradio youth station where he was interviewed onboard by budding reporter Ed Smith.
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