Andrew Snowden MP has launched a furious attack on Government plans to force Fylde and Wyre into a merger with Blackpool, warning it would turn well run local councils into a cash machine for a town drowning in debt.
The Government has now opened a consultation on the future of councils in Lancashire. But there is one glaring problem: residents are not being given the option to say no.
“This is not a consultation. It is a stitch up,” said Mr Snowden. “People are being asked how they want to be merged, not whether they agree to it. None of the above is not even on the ballot paper. That is an insult to local democracy.”
Under Labour’s plan, Fylde and Wyre would be forced into a new mega council with Blackpool. Another proposal from the Reform run County Council is even worse, dragging Preston into the mix as well.
Andrew Snowden warned the real motive is obvious.
“Fylde and Wyre are well run councils with good finances and money in the bank for local investment. Blackpool is more than half a billion pounds in debt. This merger is nothing more than a bailout dressed up as reform. Local residents will see their council tax used to plug Labour-run Blackpool’s financial black hole while our services are cut. That is completely unacceptable.”
Fylde’s MP also hit out at the Reform run County Council proposal for even bigger super councils stretching across huge parts of Lancashire.
“That idea is madness. Decisions about rural Fylde villages and Wyre communities being taken in some giant remote authority is not local government. It is bureaucracy on steroids.”
Andrew has been running petitions and surveys across the constituency and says the message from residents is overwhelming.
“Almost everyone I speak to is dead against this. People value their local councils and their local identity. They do not want to be swallowed up by Blackpool and Preston.”
Despite his fierce opposition, he is urging people to take part in the consultation so Fylde and Wyre are not ignored.
“If the Government is determined to force this through, then we need to fight for the least worst option, given that we are not allowed to say no, I am urging residents to back the options that only involve merging with Blackpool, and to reject any plan that drags Preston into it as well. This Labour Government is riding roughshod over local people, and I will keep fighting these plans every step of the way.”
Residents can take part in the consultation online. Details are available via Andrew Snowden MP’s social media channels at www.andrewsnowden.uk and at lancashirelgr.co.uk
