OPPOSITION councillors in Thurrock have questioned the latest raft of government plans to change local governance.

Following the announcement of the Local Government Outcomes Framework (LGOF) this week by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, members of Thurrock's Non-Political Alliance of Independent Councillors (NPAIC) have questioned the efficacy and practicality of such a framework.

And they have expressed concerns about how it will impact on areas already earmarked for change through Westminster-driven local government reorganisation and devolution.

NPAIC also expresses concern about the adequacy of funding to meet growing demands, citing a National Audit Office Report from February that finds that local government funding "has not kept pace with population growth or the demand for services, the complexity of need, or the cost of delivering services to people most in need of support."

Answering the government's call for feedback on the LGOF, NPAIC spokesperson Cllr Neil Speight states: "Just how the new framework will affect Thurrock is unclear at present.

"Residents are already confused, anxious and upset about future plans, and councillors worry that pressure to meet standards without yet having knowledge of the resources available will cause unnecessary additional financial strain on some councils.

"The aims need to be clearly defined and realistic for every local authority."

Cllr Speight adds: "Positive change is always welcome but I am concerned that it is a case of 'too much, too often' – and with not enough clarity."

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