Oldham Borough Liberal Democrats slam increased government bureaucracy - Alcock

11.28.00pm GMT Fri 30th Jan 2009

Oldham Borough Liberal Democrats are astonished at the news that the Government is currently introducing a bill to make it harder for people to petition their local Council.

Over 8 pages of the Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Bill are dedicated to setting conditions on the form petitions to local councils can take. The section runs to an astonishing 3,221 words of primary legislation, with further statutory guidance expected to follow.

Mark Alcock, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Oldham West & Royton said, "You would think that with the recession and credit crunch, this Labour government would have better things to do than add to the bureaucratic burden that is weighing down both our economy and government.

"This government is seeking to tie up Councils in red tape and detailed rules which will cover every single thing they do.

"Instead of wasting councils' time and resources, the government should be freeing councils' hands to provide support to local people during the economic crisis, not loading Councils with more bureaucracy."