Brooke backs Bill to support local shops and services

11.49.03am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 5th Apr 2007

Annette supports increased local decision-making to protect valuable services such as Post Offices

Local Liberal Democrat MP, Annette Brooke, is backing a Bill which would empower local communities and enable people here in Mid Dorset and North Poole to have a greater say on how our community is run. 

Annette Brooke said:

"Our communities are often undermined by the unintended consequences of Government decisions made in London. The Sustainable Communities Bill aims to reverse this process and let local people decide instead.

"What works in one area isn't always suitable for another part of the country.  Part of the barrier to tackling the issue of bus services is that there is a lack of flexibility for local communities to identify their own particular problems and to find their own solutions. The Sustainable Communities Bill recognises this and gives communities the ability to pursue policies which are better tailored to their individual needs.

"The Sustainable Communities Bill is designed to reverse the trend towards "Ghost Town Britain" by taking decision making away from the "dead hand" of Whitehall and putting it back in the hands of those who know best - local people.

"The Government constantly espouses its belief in localism, devolution and listening to the public.  This Bill offers an opportunity to translate these warm words into action and I hope that the Government will give its full support as it passes through Parliament."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Sustainable Communities Bill has passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons and is currently being scrutinised by a Parliamentary Committee.

For more information about the campaign, please see www.localworks.org .