More power for local people, says minister

Individuals can influence the way services are delivered through a range of new measures, the local government and communities minister announced today.

Speaking at a New Local Government Network conference David Miliband said that  people are to be given the power to trigger inquiries into local issues or to force services to consider new ways of working.

Other measures outlined by the minister include an extension of the neighbourhood policing approach. This means residents can demand a meeting with police officers and council officials to discuss local services.

The government is also planning to give councillors up to £10, 000 a year to spend on local projects chosen by the community.

Miliband concluded that a new organisation, entitled the National Neighbourhoods Framework, is to be created by central government, the Local Government Association and the voluntary and community sector. The framework will empower neighbourhoods and inform strategies on local government.