Heather Jameson 18 November 2013

Pickles hits out at counties over LEPs

Communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles told county leaders it was their own fault if Local Enterprise Partnerships were unaccountable and a mystery to the public.

Speaking at the County Councils' Network annual conference in Chester today, Mr Pickles received a hostile reception.
 
Responding to complaints that LEPs had been given top sliced funding but are ‘responsible to no-one,’ he replied: ‘If that’s a problem, that is your own fault.’
 
Mr Pickles claimed the partnerships were formed for local government to work together with local businesses, but they were all working well.
 
He also warned councillors not to be ‘democracy dodgers’ by raising council tax to just below the threshold of a referendum.
 
Mr Pickles told delegates: ‘If you think you should put up your council tax, take it to the people …. but don’t tell me the electorate is too stupid to understand.’
 
He later added: ‘There’s nothing wrong with local democracy… I don’t know why you are all so scared.’ 
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North Essex

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Children in Care, North EssexPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School

Essex County Council
Up to £13.00 per hour
School Crossing Patrol Officer - St John's Green Primary School, ColchesterPermanent, Part Time£13.00 per hour Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

SEND Inclusion Partner

Essex County Council
£42761.0000 - £50307.0000 per annum
SEND Inclusion PartnerPermanent, Part Time£42,761 to £50,307 per annum (Full Time Equivalent)Actual Salary (22.2 hours per week) £25,657 to £30,184 pe England, Essex, Braintree
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356 - £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Highways Maintenance Manager

North Yorkshire Council
£51,356- £55,539 per annum
We are looking for an experienced Engineer to join the team as a Highways Maintenance Manager Brompton on Swale, Richmond
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner