MP calls for more democracy
12th January 2007
Mike Penning has condemned the rising powers of unelected quangos and Regional Assemblies.
Mike Penning has condemned the process where the unelected East of England Development Agency can propose thousands of new homes in Hemel Hempstead when the local Council has no chance to oppose them.
Speaking in the chamber of the House of Commons, Mike Penning called on Jack Straw, Leader of the House of Commons, to allow a debate on the lack of democracy and accountability in respect of quangos.
Mike Penning asked:
“May we have an urgent debate about how the East of England Development Agency can propose thousands of new homes in my constituency when my council has no right to oppose such development? As we do not have enough water for our existing houses, how can more houses be imposed on us?”
After the debate, Mike added:
“It is outrageous that unelected quangos and Regional Assemblies have more power than local, democratically-elected Councils in these matters.”
“In almost every area – health, education, planning - we have seen centralisation on a massive scale leaving local authorities with little power and local people badly served by Government.”
“These quangos are spending huge amounts of taxpayers money with no accountability to any elected body.”
“It was clear from the debate yesterday, that many Labour members – including it would appear the Leader of the House – have similar concerns”.
“I will take this matter forward and apply to have an Adjournment or a Westminster Hall debate on the subject.”
