Quite a significant speech today from Nick Clegg, the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats, on reform of the public services.
Whilst most coverage will focus on his comments on schools, hospital and taxes, a significant theme of the speech was his comments on community empowerment. The Lib Dems have generally been strong promoters of devolution to local government and local Councillors, but Clegg went further saying:
"This also means embracing a wider understanding of empowerment: not just of local authorities and politicians, desirable though that is, but of pupils, patients and parents too.
Individual power must be an everyday thing, not just reserved for the moment a vote is cast in the ballot box."
This again strengthens the consensus in this area, thus making it easier for the government to move forward with wide public support.
The strengthening of Local Strategic Partnerships to increase joined up public services locally is one important aspect of public sector reform, but this must be combined with empowering local communities to take control of their local institutions and work together with such Partnerships to solve local problems. Not just hospitals and schools, but also smaller community assets. TCC has worked with residents in New Deal for Communities (NDC) areas, young people and with Hospitals developing their membership to make the aspirations of politicians for "pupils, patients and parents" to exercise their "individual power" as an "everyday thing", a reality.
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