We want the power

From the archive, first published Wednesday 28th Sep 2005.

THE leader of Swindon Council is calling for the abolition of the South West Regional Assembly.

Coun Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) wants to see the assembly scrapped and all powers returned to councils.

He will raise the issue at tomorrow's full council meeting.

"We are making the point that it is undemocratic," he said.

"The Government is steaming ahead giving additional responsibilities to the regions without being concerned about the democratic process."

Coun Bawden is particularly worried about the assembly's role in setting housing alloca-tions for the region, which could result in Swindon having to cope with up to 24,000 new houses.

The assembly is made up of councillors from authorities across the south west and `social, economic and environmental partners' who are represen-tatives of businesses, trade unions and other bodies.

Coun Bawden's motion to the council reads: "This council calls for the abolition of the regional assembly and the return of its statutory powers, including housing allocations, to local authorities which are best placed to champion the interests of local people."

It also calls the assembly's budget to be spent on local regeneration or given back to local taxpayers.But the assembly has defended its role.

"Swindon Borough councillors Mike Bawden, Barrie Thompson (Lab) and Wendy Johnson (Lib Dem) are all members of the South West Regional Assembly, which was set up with cross-party consensus," said a spokesperson for the assembly.

"The assembly exists to serve the needs of the people of the south west region as a whole.

"It has a number of strategic roles including responsibility for regional planning.

"The assembly's work on housing and planning is being developed in close partnership with local authorities, including Swindon Council."

Isabel Field

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