Tory leader David Cameron has outlined his vision of councils being at the forefront of the war against social breakdown and anti-social behaviour.
The Conservative leader told delegates today (Thursday) at the LGA Conference in Birmingham that local authorities had an important role to play in promoting social welfare and preventing young people from re-offending.
Mr Cameron said: 'Local councils can do a lot more than central government if they are given the freedom and the power. We need a transfer of power, money and responsibility over welfare to local councils.'
Mr Cameron also re-iterated his party's commitment to abolish regional assemblies, directly elected mayors and the ending of ring fenced funding.
'I believe directly elected mayors will make accountability both obvious and real,' he added.
