Local authorities guard most vulnerable
Proposal is in accord with a vision of local councils as the guardians of the most vulnerable people in society.
"Councils … have the right powers and relationships to make sure that all local services – whether they are the responsibility of local authorities or not – work together to meet citizens’ needs… Local government is …in a unique position to provide joined-up, targeted and innovative services for vulnerable people."
Ruth Kelly, speech to Local Government Association Conference, July 2006. Department of Communities and Local Government, Strong and prosperous communities: the Local Government White Paper, 2006. Volume 2, p.24.