Local councils in England face a significant shake-up that could end the presence of independent councillors. Across England and Wales, there are over 2,200 independents involved in council management. Government plans aim to merge smaller councils to streamline services and reduce costs, yet critics argue this will weaken local representation and independence. Marianne Overton, leader of the Local Government Association's Independent Group, stresses that fewer councillors covering larger areas could hinder community connections and electability for independents, leading to a consolidation of power among major parties.
If councillors represented bigger areas, it would weaken the link with communities and make it harder for independents to be elected.
When you have fewer councillors, it means they have bigger areas to cover and it starts to become an impossible task to be a local councillor.
Proposals to reorganise local government could threaten the representation of independents, against opposition arguing that independents better reflect local views.
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