PRESS-RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from Councillor David Lomax, High Peak Liberal Democrats, commenting on the Labour Government’s Devolution White Paper

Commenting on the Labour Government’s Devolution White Paper, David Lomax said: "This is rightly being seen by many as a 'power grab'. It risks centralising power in the hands of fewer people – notably Strategic Authorities and Strategic Mayors. 

Those Districts and Boroughs on the edge of counties may have more links to neighbouring areas. Someone living in Tintwistle may look to Tameside and Greater Manchester for services, but whether they would get a "better deal" than being part of a Derbyshire unitary council is unknown. For our MP to suggest that Hope Valley could become part of Greater Manchester just shows how little he knows about the people and the area he is supposed to be representing.

"Devolution proposals also distract councils from delivering on the key issues that residents care about – including housing, health, education, transport, and climate resilience. However, we cannot just stick our fingers in our ears and pretend it isn’t happening - we need to find the best way forward.

"As Liberal Democrats, our vision for devolution is clear: a system that enables local authorities and any other bodies to work in partnership and at a scale that respects local communities. We believe in empowering communities, not dictating to them. Before any decisions are imposed on us we need to have meaningful constructive engagement with our residents.

“Rest assured as Liberal Democrats, we will continue to challenge the Labour Government’s 'control freak' tendency."

COUNCILLOR David Lomax, High Peak Liberal Democrats