The leader of Kingston Council has criticised the Government for not offering more in the Queen’s Speech that might help councils support families and businesses in their communities.
Cllr Andreas Kirsch welcomed the Government’s focus on growing the economy but said that much more needs to be done to support local areas and help people through the cost of living crisis.
‘There is a lack of vision and ambition to support people in their local areas,’ he said.
Cllr Kirsch also criticised the Government for not doing more to reform local government finances.
‘Throughout recent weeks people were telling us time and time again that the cost of living was their biggest worry,’ he said.
‘We need powers to support families and local businesses, creating jobs in our communities. It’s so important that all local authorities should be able to fully retain business rates to boost enterprise, incentivise growth and deliver longer term financial sustainability.’
Cllr Kirsch also argued that the planning reforms had little substance.
‘While more devolution of planning powers to local authorities is cautiously welcomed, I would challenge the meaningfulness of these bills to truly put local citizens at the heart of decision making in their communities.’
‘Sadly, the government has missed a trick nationally that enables councils and partners to deliver locally,’ he added.
