LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION'S PROPOSALS FOR CLEVELAND

EDM number 63 in 1994-95, proposed by Frank Cook on 21/11/1994.

That this House registers its total commitment to democracy in local government; records its determination to oppose any proposals from whatever source to undermine this valuable element; declares equal opposition to such proposals that might emanate from the Local Government Commission which might put employees' jobs or community services at risk; notes that proposals put forward for Cleveland on these matters by the Local Government Commission would, on the basis of the Commission's own estimates, mean that many hundreds of jobs would be lost; notes too that the consequent division of services would lead to unaccountable quangos and joint arrangements bereft of real democracy; notes further that, on the basis of the latest opinion survey, more than 60 per cent. of Cleveland's population refuse to support the Commission's recommendations and that less than 50 per cent. believe there is need for any reform at all; and therefore calls upon Her Majesty's Government, in the light of this latest evidence, not to proceed with the laying of the Order seeking authorisation of the Commission's proposals for Cleveland.

This motion has been signed by a total of 42 MPs.