“We should reconsider the future role of the County Council before building a new HQ” – Cllr. Brendan Glynane

County Council revelations in the past few months leave serious questions to be answered about the future of the body, according to Cllr. Brendan Glynane, leader of the Lib Dems at County Hall.

"With the County Council scaling back their involvement and services across the entire County, it is time to reconsider whether supporting the body continues to offer good value for money to the taxpayer." Commented Brendan.

Increasingly, the County Council has looked to other Councils, community groups and residents associations to take on responsibilities and spending currently associated with County Hall. Sadly, many services not being spun off are failing instead.

"In the current financial climate, it is not unreasonable that many people in Northamptonshire do not want to pay for an extra layer of government, especially as Tory and Labour Councillors are voting to increase their allowances." Continued Brendan. "It is also clear that many of us have completely lost faith in the County Council's ability to provide fundamental services."

"Giving local Councils control over their own roads, school provision, social services and heritage would not stop them working together when a County wide solution was beneficial, but it would allow decisions about spending - and accountability for Councillors - would be local." He concluded.