Leader’s response to Devolution White Paper

Leader of Mid Suffolk District Council, Cllr Andy Mellen said: “I remain open-minded about reorganisation as long as it is done in the right way and has the interests of our residents at its heart – but local authorities must remain close to the communities they serve, with the necessary funding and autonomy to deliver the services they need. I believe that decisions are best taken at the lowest possible level to ensure democratic accountability, so I will resist any drawing-up of powers away from local people.

“Together with our neighbours in Suffolk we will now be looking at the proposals in more detail.  Ultimately, this should be an opportunity for meaningful public sector reform in order to make a real difference to the quality of life of our residents, not just a redrawing of council boundaries.”