'One Council for Northampton' call at Lib Dem Conference

9.57.41am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 19th Sep 2006

"We need to be making local Council's more accountable to the people they serve" said Andrew Simpson

Northampton Lib Dem members will today use their party's debate on reform of local Government in England to call for a unitary authority for Northampton.

"People are confused by who does what in Northampton with split responsibilities between the Borough and County Council" said Northampton Local Lib Dem party secretary Scott Collins.

"The Lib Dems in this policy proposal are firmly committed to setting up one tier of a local authority where people want it. We believe as one of the largest towns in the country Northampton deserves one Council for all services" continued Scott.

"We need to be making local Council's more accountable to the people they serve" said Borough Councillor and Lib Dem parliamentary spokesperson for Northampton North Cllr Andrew Simpson.

"In Northampton many of the current problems the Borough Council faces are down to its inability to influence or manage key services - we have public services fragmented between the two Councils we need them joined up and directly responsible under one authority" he continued

Lib Dems will debate their policy 'Your Community, Your Choice - proposals for local Government in England today at 16.30 where Northampton Lib Dem member are hoping to contribute.

Contacts:

Scott Collins Mobile: 07883 751620

Andrew Simpson Mobile: 07973 560432