Digital Dialogue Widens Debate on the Future of Local Government

Date published: 29/03/2006

Debate on local government reform has been opened further with the launch of a new web forum. The forum provides an opportunity for members of the general public to make their views known directly, as well as offering another channel for local government stakeholders - such as local authorities, the business sector and voluntary and community organisations - to contribute to discussions.

The web forum is part of a full process of engagement on local government reform, and the views contributed will help shape the publication of a local government White Paper in summer 2006.
Initially, the online debate will be focused around the issues of local government restructuring and neighbourhoods. The debate on local government restructuring will address topics such as local authority roles and responsibilities, strong local leadership, and effective representation. Discussion on neighbourhoods will focus on devolving decision making and empowering communities at a grass roots level.

Minister of Communities and Local Government David Miliband said, "New technology gives us new opportunities to engage with more people than ever before. Tools like the web forum launched today let us use 21st century  communication to consult on the vision for 21st century local government. The future of local government affects everyone. I want to encourage as many people as possible to use this opportunity to ensure local communities can really make their voices heard in these discussions."

The web forum is online at  www.localvisionforum.net