In the face of Labour's plans for local government, our five tests on restructuring:
1) Is this a genuine choice for local councils, and for local communities? Can councils choose not to engage in such restructuring? (as opposed to Whitehall compelling or punishing councils which don’t).
2) In two-tier areas, do both districts and counties agree with the principle of some form of restructuring? (as opposed to Whitehall only negotiating with one tier in two-tier areas).
3) Do a majority of local residents support the changes? Will local government be more accountable to local people, and will local people have a greater say on decisions which affect their lives?
4) Will any changes help keep council tax down? (as opposed to higher council taxes to pay for new structures). Will it improve local services and make them more responsive?
5) Will it avoid disruption of social care, given the demographic cost pressures that social care already faces, compounded by Labour’s National Insurance hikes?
