Emeritus Prof Christopher MayFeb 28, 2024

One third of local councils are cutting support to the #Arts, one third are cutting support for parks & leisure... and a wide range of other service reductions or halts are expected.

The progressive destruction of local #democracy, accountability & social provision is now accelerating...

The hollowing out of our local government & the ever increasing centralisation of power & responsibility is unlikely to be reversed by the next Govt.

The value of municipal governance has been completely lost

Show threadPatrick Hadfield

@ChrisMayLA6 did you see this in the Guardian? "Amid a financial crisis hitting town halls across England, councillors in Southwark have resorted to a crowdfunding scheme to raise £6m over the next six years to help fund climate-friendly projects."

A complete abdication of responsibility by central government!

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/feb/28/cash-strapped-london-council-starts-crowdfunding-drive-to-pay-for-green-upgrades?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other

Cash-strapped London council starts crowdfunding drive to pay for green upgrades

Southwark asks residents to invest as little as £5 to help fund eco-projects such as cycle hangars and school upgrades

The Guardian
Feb 28, 2024 at 10:10amWeb
Show threadEmeritus Prof Christopher MayFeb 28, 2024

@patrickhadfield

Yes, its extraordinary isn't it... we are living in very strange times for democracy

Show threadAndyDeardenFeb 28, 2024
@patrickhadfield @ChrisMayLA6 this sounds like a move towards relying on a US/Victorian model of charity & philanthropy instead of collectively funding and investing for a shared future.
Show threadAFeb 28, 2024
@patrickhadfield @ChrisMayLA6 reminds me of Henning Wehn explaining the opinion in Hermany is that "charity is a failure of the state"
Show threadNicFeb 28, 2024
@patrickhadfield @ChrisMayLA6 are donations to #crowdfunding schemes #taxdeductable ? Asking for a friend.