SWINDON Council Leader David Renard has signed an open letter to a national Sunday newspaper which calls for more powers to be devolved to local authorities.

Along with more than 100 other leaders, Coun Renard (Con, Haydon Wick) has argued that with Scotland set to get more powers, the same privilege should be afforded to English authorities.

The letter also appeals for an end to cuts to council budgets, with services such as libraries, leisure and roads already feeling the strain to meet adult and social care demands.

The letter to The Observer reads: “Funding for services provided by councils has borne the brunt of austerity while demand continues to rise.

“When the chancellor delivers his autumn statement this Wednesday, “more of the same” cannot be an option.

“After a 40 per cent reduction in funding during this parliament, our efficiency savings are coming to an end.

“Further reductions without radical reform will have a detrimental impact on people’s quality of life and will lead to vital services being scaled back or lost altogether.

“Services such as libraries, leisure centres and road maintenance continue to buckle under the strain of cuts and the ever-rising cost of caring for our growing elderly population.

“Failure to address this will not only jeopardise other services, but will pass costs on to the NHS, which will have to pick up the pieces if we cannot protect adult social care or provide the services that keep people healthy.

“Last week, the Smith commission set out a better deal for Scotland, granting more control over funding and recognising the importance of devolving power down beyond Holyrood.

“It’s England’s turn now.

“There is compelling evidence that taking decisions closer to the people affected achieves better results and saves money.

“It is vital that the autumn statement sets out a new settlement for England, which puts powers beyond Westminster, and shares out tax and spending across the UK on a fair basis.

“The people we represent, who look north of the border with envy at the greater control Scots are to get over their everyday lives, will expect nothing less.”