CAMPAIGNING gets underway today in what is arguably one of the most important elections ever to take place in the North-East.
The election of the first 126 members of the new unitary authority for County Durham is unlikely to gain any national attention, perhaps not that much attention within the region for that matter.
But today's publication of the Notice of Election marks an historic moment for local government North-East politics.
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The powerful new body, which will replace the existing two-tier system of Durham County Council and seven district councils, will become the region's biggest local authority and dwarf its near neighbours, providing all council services for half-a-million residents.
Its 22,000 staff will make it the second biggest employer in the North-East - providing the livelihood for more people in the region than Northern Rock, Nissan, Corus, Northumbrian Water, Cummins, Amec and Sage combined.
Its £1bn budget will be bigger than the Gross Domestic Product of at least ten of the world's smaller countries, including the likes of San Marino, The Seychelles and Grenada.
At present, there are 63 elected members of Durham County Council and a further 312 councillors sitting on the seven district councils.
On May 1, voters will elect 126 councillors, two in each of the existing county council divisions.
In what County Hall is describing as "a 3-2-1" election, voters will each elect two councillors to perform three roles, eventually leading to one council.
Members will run the existing county council for the next year; set up the new unitary authority and then represent their area on that body once it is up and running in April 2009.
If that is not complicated enough, there may yet be more to follow. The Boundary Commission for England has suggested that it might review electoral arrangements over the next two years, which would see the number of councillors streamlined to between 100 and 120.
The proposal would lead to a further election in 2010 and then another in 2013 to bring County Durham back in line with the rest of the country - a proposal which has been met with widespread opposition from the county's politicians.
Regardless of the number of members, the unitary authority will run all council services, from emptying the bins to running the education authority, and is expected to operate a network of buildings scattered around County Durham's widespread communities.
Supporters say the abolition of two-tier government will save money by cutting duplication and waste and will give the county a united and powerful voice. However, district council leaders have long argued that the new body will prove too remote from the people it is meant to serve and remain dubious about the money-saving claims.
Posted by: Peter Dolan, Newton Aycliffe on 7:46am Thu 27 Mar 08
The supporters say the creation of a unitary authority it will save money but if it was a private business it would be called a monopoly and we all know how prices rise when a monopoly runs the show.
The supporters say the creation of a unitary authority it will save money but if it was a private business it would be called a monopoly and we all know how prices rise when a monopoly runs the show.
Posted by: kenneth stubbs, newton aycliffe on 11:16pm Thu 27 Mar 08
in response to the comment made by Peter Dolan the obvious conclusion is that to avoid a monopoly don't fall in to the trap of creating a one party unitary authority.
At this moment in time I am seeking to verify if my information in my local paper is correct.
Which is that allegedly there are already are 6 program boards set up to oversee the setting up of this authority made up of 99% labour councillors.
With not one of them from newton aycliffe.
ye there is a massive danger so Voters out there please be aware - Very Aware.
in response to the comment made by Peter Dolan the obvious conclusion is that to avoid a monopoly don't fall in to the trap of creating a one party unitary authority.
At this moment in time I am seeking to verify if my information in my local paper is correct.
Which is that allegedly there are already are 6 program boards set up to oversee the setting up of this authority made up of 99% labour councillors.
With not one of them from newton aycliffe.
ye there is a massive danger so Voters out there please be aware - Very Aware.
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