Oldham Borough Liberal Democrats attack increased government bureaucracy

1.00.59pm GMT Fri 30th Jan 2009

Oldham Borough Liberal Democrats are astonished at the news that the Government is currently introducing a bill to make it harder for people to petition their local Council.

Over 8 pages of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill are dedicated to setting conditions on the form petitions to local councils can take. The section runs to an astonishing 3,221 words of primary legislation, with further statutory guidance expected to follow.

Elwyn Watkins, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham East & Saddleworth said, "You would think that with the recession and financial crisis, this Labour government would have better things to than add to the bureaucratic burden that is weighing down both our economy and government.

"This government is seeking to tie up Councils in red tape and detailed rules which will cover every single thing they do.

"Instead of wasting councils' time and resources, the government should be freeing councils' hands to provide support to local people during the economic crisis."

Councillor Val Sedgwick commented, "We want people to be able to communicate with Oldham Council more easily, but these proposals will make it a lot harder.

"In over 17 years as a Councillor I have never seen anything quite as silly as this."