Speech given by former health secretary Alan Milburn MP on localism given at a Demos seminar at the Design Council, London on 21 January 2004.
Download full text as a Word document
Senior Labour political sets out his position on localism, which is likely to become a major campaigning issue for all three parties in the run up to the next general election.
In his speech, Alan Milburn argues that localism should not be regarded as simply tipping the balance of power and funding from central towards local government.
Instead he argues for 'demand-led devolution' which puts control over the management and finance of public services in the hands of local users.
He sees an increasing role for neighbourhood councils and directly elected representatives on the boards of public sector bodies.
"Local authorities will increasingly focus on commissioning not providing. They will exercise genuine community leadership by building communities own capacity to lead," he said.
The seminar was part of a Demos work programme on public sector reform, which was launched with the publication of The Adaptive State in December 2003.
LOGIN to add comments
Comments