THE structure of local government is difficult to get excited about, but the unravelling of the county's devolution bid, with Tory Cotswold District Council jilting Gloucestershire at the alter and eloping with West Oxfordshire is noteworthy.

What was so bad about the Gloucestershire devolution package? - all I've been allowed to see has promised sunshine and roses all around, but something has spooked the Cotswold Cavalry into action.

Maybe it's the lack of a governance structure, or that no one seems to be in charge of the new organisation, or the creeping secrecy of information withheld due to commercial confidentiality or the lack of respect for the democratic process.

It is becoming apparent that there is no overall plan for local government, apart from give it more to do, tell it how to do it and then remove its funding.

We are being presented with 'Desperation Devolution', as those delivering our service frantically seek a way to provide their statutory duties, our public services, as central government hacks and slashes funding streams.

Cllr Sarah Lunnon (Stroud Central)

Parliamentary spokesperson for Stroud Green Party