Letter: The Government's hidden agenda on county councils

Sir: No one should be surprised by the headline ('Ministers decide to wipe out county councils', 22 November).

It is evident to anyone associated with local government that the intention of the present administration is to destroy local democracy and increase centralised control. The method used is both ancient and simple.

1. Begin with the premise that local government is inefficient.

2. Progressively limit the number of decisions that can be taken by locally elected representatives.

3. Demand increased workloads and reduced staff.

4. Increase statutory responsibilities and reduce resources to the point at which it is impossible to fulfil those responsibilities.

Result: local government is inefficient.

Yours faithfully,

G. R. MUTTRAM

(Former chaplain to County Hall, Norwich)

Norwich, Norfolk

22 November