I enjoy reading your excellent paper, but wonder why so many articles and letters criticise Local Government Authorities?
As a Local Government ecologist for almost 30 years, I worked closely with planners, as well as regulatory bodies, councillors, the general public, pressure groups (e.g. RSPB, Wildlife Trusts), and developers.
LGA planners have to take all these views into account, and provide planning decisions within a very tight timescale.
Progressively underfunded by Central Government since the 1980s - and therefore increasingly understaffed - LGAs are still expected to provide a faultless service.
Virtually everyone I worked with cared deeply about their local area and communities, and worked tirelessly - often way beyond their hours - to provide a fantastic, balanced service.
Most people in the UK pay taxes; and this money, together with appropriate fees from developers, should provide ample funds for essential public services such as hospitals, schools, and planning.
Central Government needs to change their ideology; stop criticising LGAs and increase funding year on year to enable them to effectively undertake their duties.
Name and address supplied.
Share