14 January 2008

INSPIRED THINKING THE KEY TO BIG ISSUES

The UK needs inspired thinking and close cooperation between the members and chief officers of its local authorities if it is to find a way forward on a range of tough issues, according to CSS President Richard Wills.

Mr Wills told guests at the CSS annual dinner at the RAC Club in London on Wednesday (9th January) that progress necessitates difficult decisions being taken and a close interface between professionals and politicians.

He stressed: "We need politicians because a lot of the things that we do for the general good can harm or disadvantage individuals. Only elected representatives have the right to decide when a few individuals should be harmed for the greater good.

”As professionals, we must guard against being cynical about politics. The root of our representative democracy is a healthy participation in elections and then people’s respect for those elected.”

Mr Wills said CSS was already working closely with the Local Government Association and Government departments to build a platform for future cooperation. In April, CSS will hold its first national conference as a further opportunity to develop closer dialogue.

Transport was, he said, a particular area in which inspired thinking was needed and promised that CSS would play its part with the impending launch of its Travel is Good initiative. “This may be provocative because it seems to run counter to the transport intelligentsia,” said Mr Wills.

“However, our intention is to create a debate about the future of travel which brings many benefits to individuals, to the economy and to society as a whole. Not to acknowledge this means that we risk alienating the very people we need to influence if real change is to happen – ordinary voters.”

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Media contact  

Barrie Hedges, Daybreak Communications office 0845 644 3845; mobile 07899 923756; barrie.hedges@daybreakcomm.co.uk

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