THE DECISION by the government to transfer power to local councils is both an opportunity and a cause for a concern.
The Chancellor George Osborne will be allowing councils to retain all the money they raise from business rates – a total of £26 billion.
Stripped of their major revenue-raising ability in the past couple of decades, local authorities have had to take drastic measures to keep the ship afloat.
The consequential impact on their resources and skill levels means the newly-empowered councils may not be best-equipped to make the most of this greater flexibility. Step forward then all those who believe Salisbury and South Wiltshire could be a better place.
The securing of a comprehensive strategy for the improvement of the region could not be more vital.
The message from the Chancellor is clear: “So this is what our plan means. Attract a business and you attract more money.
Regenerate a high street and you’ll reap the benefits. Grow your area and you’ll grow your revenue too.”
So will Salisbury step up to the challenge?
It has taken tentative steps in attempting to create a vision. It has the foot soldiers in place with the City Council, Business Improvement District and representatives at Wiltshire Council. Indeed it has an MP in John Glen ready to lead a task force.
The only thing stopping it now would be a lack of ambition wouldn’t it?
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