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Devolution in Action 2
Posted By: William Hobhouse
Date Posted: 27/08/2009
One of the real pleasures of my work as a ward councillor is helping to make things happen at the Area Forums. During my stint as Rochdale Township Chair, I tried to visit most of the forums in the town. These days I concentrate on the two in my ward – Brimrod and Bamford.
A week ago, we had the August meeting of the Brimrod Area Forum. 40 people were there. The Forum decided to spend their money on re-installing football pitches in Springfield Park for casual games; on buying new flower boxes that will fit on the rounded central railings of the new Sudden junction; and for starter funding for aromatherapy sessions for the 50+.
Devolution is a different type of politics. It is empowering communities to make their own decisions. It is Councillors and the Council facilitating local decisions, in contrast to just telling local people what has already been decided.
Last year, devolution was under threat. As the financial storm clouds settle over this borough as over most other boroughs, I wonder whether devolution will be the first thing to be cut, or the last.
I for one say the last.
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