The reaction to John Prescott's proposals for regional assemblies has run the gamut from apathy to antagonism.
Presumably, people feel that either the assemblies will make no difference or else they will create yet more politicians and bureaucrats.
One would have thought, given the many complaints about decisions being made in London and Brussels, that a proposal for additional local decision- making would have been greeted more favourably.
Regional assemblies are replacements not additions because the work they would be undertaking is already being done by unelected regional development authorities such as Yorkshire Forward whose directors are appointed by Westminster and staffed by bureaucrats.
Far better that bodies dispersing millions of taxpayers' money are controlled by regionally-elected politicians. One only has to think of the European Union which is controlled and managed by unelected bureaucrats from Brussels and has gained a reputation for corruption and inefficiency.
More authority in the regions would mean more control over decisions that are already being made and with much greater transparency.
Richard Lamb,
Greystoke Road, York.
Updated: 12:10 Monday, December 08, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article