Nothing demonstrates better how far Labour has destroyed democracy than the case of the 40,000 new houses for Northampton.
We are in one of Labour’s ‘growth areas’, and to avoid any local resistance, when they first came to office Labour set up the West Northants Development Corporation – a quango staffed by Labour appointees – to oversee massive housing development.
The WNDC took away all planning control for the Northampton area so that democratically elected Councillors no longer controlled the process. Next the Labour government told the 3 local councils in the area to work together to decide where to put the houses making it clear that ‘saying no is not an option’. A Joint Planning Unit was established to put forward proposals for development, led by consultants from London with little local knowledge.
The result is a proposal for Northampton that has completely enraged local residents. The proposals include a plan to build 18,000 new homes on prime agricultural land outside Northampton, on a known flood plain and with the result that several villages that have stood for 1,000 years will be swallowed up. The proposals are appalling and the consultation period was deliberately planned during the six week summer holiday period with day time exhibitions.
The sooner a Conservative government gets into power and sweeps away Labour’s quango society the better.
( 5 comments ) Tags: Northampton, quango, West Northants Development Corporation
Comment by John Halsall on October 2, 2009 at 9:13 am
In the excitement of an election, it is vital that The Tory Party do not forget basic policy platform of the introduction of direct democracy whose natural conclusion leads to holding a referendum on Europe irrespective if the Treaty is ratified. Complete withdrawal is not the only conclusion but the more likely is selective withdrawals from parts of the Union that are incompatible with direct democracy and the UK’s traditions. The Social chapter is clearly incompatible and needs to be withdrawn, but also all European directives and treaties should be voted on in Parliament and given a sunset clause. Local democratic control can only exist if central government cedes to local governemnet all functions which are now centralised, local government raises its own finance and all bodies come under the democratic control of those whose decisions it affects. All quangos need to be controlled by central, local or parish and Town Councils. Everyone should eb able to vote directly on local affairs.
Comment by Patsy Sergeant on October 2, 2009 at 11:52 am
It seems to me that when the administration of a government decides that they need an ever growing cohort of quangos, and an army of ‘advisors’, plus even more ‘hangers-on’, to assist – presumably – the MP’s and their Ministries, that what the MP’s are really demonstrating is that they are not ‘up to the job’. So they use all the paperwork produced by these extra offices, to seek to convince the public of the efficiency of their government!
However, I think there is some truism which suggests that far from producing a smoother running administration, all these extra bodies only ‘fudge’ issues and complicate the execution of the administration!
Comment by Chris H on October 2, 2009 at 6:37 pm
A typical example of how the ordinary people are no longer important and are being run circles around by politicians. “You might not like it but you’re getting it” seems to be the way everything is dished up these days. Killing off the quangos is great news, but I fear what may come from Brussels in the near future, a seat of power which has raised itself so high that it will not be long before it is a law unto itself (if it isn’t already).
Comment by prziloczek on October 2, 2009 at 7:39 pm
It is vital that the Conservatives abolish the unelected EU sponsored Regional Quangos ASAP.
Comment by J. on October 5, 2009 at 11:34 am
Dear Conservatives,
Can you please explain something to me about your intended Cut in Incapacity Benefit for over half a million people.
People who claim to lead, should always lead from the front. Can you please explain, clearly, why MP’s of all Parties could not lead by taking a Cut in Salaries of £500:00 per week? That way, you would at least be hitting those who can afford it, as apposed to those who can’t.
You could also suggest taking away all of the Expenses paid to MP’s and saving money from the public purse that way. After all, the ordinary people of this country, who you claim you are there to represent, don’t get Expenses to help them cope.
Could you please reply personally, explaining why there two things could not be done!
P.S. I am not in receipt of Incapacity Benefit, but I know injustice when I see it!