Probably like many of you I am having some difficulty getting to the bottom of the Brexit vs Remain debate. In some ways the decision we are facing is similar to that we face every general election. There are parties who each represent a differing headline view and then we are expected to make a choice between them based on how that view will affect a multitude of criteria and ultimately how we personally feel about one or all of these issues;
trade with Europe/rest of the world, immigration, The NHS, sovereignty, civil rights, workers’ rights, defence, the economy
For the past six weeks or so the publicity machines of both sides have been ramping up in an effort to engage the public. Much of the debate in the media has focussed on the imaginative use of statistics by both sides to support their own points of view. On a plus side there clearly has been an effort to debate the issues and reach out to the electorate. On the negative side people still appear confused as to what the ‘facts’ are on which to base their decision.
Compare this with the situation faced in different parts of the country considering Devolution. Negotiations are taking place between Government officials and small groups of ‘leaders’ in local government to hammer out a deal for devolution in a given area. With the exception of Greater Manchester, very little engagement with the public has taken place. The ‘prize’ of greater fiscal autonomy to enable a re-design of services to give better outcomes for residents has not been shared up and down the country.
There seems to be a marked difference in enthusiasm for devolution between unitary councils and those in two tier areas.
We are already seeing a great deal of political wrangling by councillors in two tier areas where quite naturally district and county councillors appear at loggerheads as to who should be in the driving seat of any deal. The Government condition that every devolution deal should incorporate the creation of an elected Mayor has fanned existing tensions between County and District.
Devolution is clearly complex; governance, service re-design, subsidiarity, partnership working are all thorny issues with no ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ answer. However, sitting across all of these is the opportunity afforded by the central idea of devolution – taking power from the centre and pushing it down towards the locality.
By definition this should be a chance for democratic renewal – an opportunity to re-invigorate local politics and residents’ engagement with it.
In order for that to happen there needs to be public debate; what is the prize? What will Devolution mean to me? How will it affect local services? Will my council lose or gain power? Who will make decisions? Do I have a say?
The Brexit debate is far from perfect…but at least there is a debate. Come on local government – make some noise!
Jason Burg
