Whatever happened to localism?

by Simon Bottery, Director of Fundraising, Policy and Communications

Localism was supposed to be one of the coalition's main drivers, but local authorities are faced with seven percent annual decreases in their grant from central government, while many central budgets have got off more lightly. The one token concession to localism in the comprehensive spending review was the decision not to ringfence the additional £1bn of funding provided for social care. Small comfort for local authorities, this. They can use it to plug the holes opening up in social care provision as our population ages (which is exactly what they should do as we await real long term proposals in July). Or they can spend it on 'non-essentials' (nb intention here is irony) like roads, children's services and refuse collection, which already face huge cuts. Damned if they do, damned if they don't.

Council cost-saving leaves older people in the dark

Reports of a worrying new practice by local councils emerged today, revealing attempts to save costs by switching off or dimming street lights. This practice ignores the needs of older people in local communities, as do the comments of Matthew Lugg, Leicestershire County Council's Transport Director - that crime will not increase because, 'even criminals need lights to see what they are nicking'.

Not only are these moves of serious practical concern to those with visual impairments, disabilities or at risk of falling, but research shows that large numbers of older people are already fearful in their local communities, and avoid going out at as much as they would like, particularly in darkness. Reducing street lighting to an even greater extent will only enhance this fear. Good lighting is essential to enabling older people, many of whom are already at risk of social isolation, to get out and about in their local area.

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stock photo by sarka_s from www.sxc.hu