'I don't want Fylde merged with Blackpool': Andrew Snowden MP on government reorganisation plans
“You drive around Fylde, the hedges are cut, the grass is cut, the flower beds are full of beautiful flower displays, and there's no weeds anywhere. There's no dog poo anywhere. Fylde Council invests more than Blackpool.”
Andrew Snowden MP has criticised plans to merge all three Fylde coast councils together, claiming Wyre and Fylde will be ‘drained’ to help pay for Blackpool’s regeneration.
The Fylde MP told the Gazette: “I don't want to make no secret, I don’t want Fylde merged with Blackpool.
“I think there's a number of problems with it. One, they're completely different areas. Two, if you put this amount of local reorganisation all in one go, you are going to see years and years and years of restructuring and reorganisations.”
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“It is blindingly obvious to me that the council tax base, and the business tax base in Fylde and Wyre, will be drained to pay for Blackpool town centre and the services and investment there. And we will get in return a lower standard of service than we currently get. That is my view on what will happen.”
Under current plans, Lancashire's current two-tier council system is set to be replaced by four unitary authorities, with Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre merged to form one new council.
The plans have faced opposition from some local leaders and councillors, who have raised concerns over local representation and how services would be delivered. As a result, the Government has now paused the reorganisation process so reviews can take place.
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“You drive around Fylde, the hedges are cut, the grass is cut, the flower beds are full of beautiful flower displays, and there's no weeds anywhere. There's no dog poo anywhere. Fylde Council invests more than Blackpool.”
“We want local councils that run the local services. They’re important to residents and look after that local area, directly accountable, and in touch and part of their communities.”
Instead of the proposed unitary authorities, Snowden is in favour of keeping the current two tiered system and reducing the amount of district councils. The MP added: “, I understand that the idea of having 14 district councils is probably a bit much.
We have a two-tier authority because we want local councils that run the local services. They're important to residents and look after that local area, directly accountable, and in touch and part of their communities.”
“If we halve the number of district councils, there's a real way of saving money and moving things forward but still maintain that two-tier service.”