Sir, – Much is changing, or may be about to change, in the way in which local public services are provided and the extent of democratic representation that is allowed to local communities under new and expected proposals from central government Waverley has already seen proposals for the reorganisation of the Primary Health Care Trust into a single county-wide organisation and we are promised rationalisation proposals for the police service which may have far- reaching effects on policing in Surrey. Next, our local government structure is to be put under scrutiny with the future of both Surrey County Council and Waverley Borough Council in the balance whilst the government prepares a White Paper for later this year The current theme of government thinking appears to be a desire to establish local government with a "bottom-up" perspective: with local communities exerting greater influence over public service provision Some of us believe that this will offer greater opportunities for local groups in the community, together with their town or parish councils, to take closer control over their local environment and the services provided by their local authority. A possible end to the power of posturing local politicians and a real level of involvement by ordinary voters may not be beyond an active imagination. Waverley has issued a seven-page document detailing its own strategy and tactics in response to the threat, and this has been circulated to all town and parish councils In order to put the issue into proper perspective, Waverley Local Strategic Partnership has called an extraordinary meeting next Wednesday to which are invited all local town and parish councillors to hear from senior officers of the Primary Care Trust, Surrey Police, Surrey County Council and Waverley Council about the review process, the various perspectives on the possible changes and, most important of all, to hear and listen to the views of "grass-roots" level, town and parish council representatives on what they wish to see achieved from any review that emerges from consultations May I urge every town and parish councillor to endeavour to attend the meeting of the Local Strategic Partnership to be held on Wednesday, March 15, beginning at 6-30 pm at the Burys in Godalming. This is the best opportunity we may get to influence the provision of local public services for the foreseeable future Bryn Morgan, town and parish councils representative, Waverley Local Strategic Partnership, Tilford Road, Rushmoor
