Letter: Local democracy
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir Jeremy Beecham calls for non-domestic rates to be returned to local control and claims that greater financial autonomy for local authorities is necessary to increase democracy ("Missing voters to be lured with polling booths in supermarkets", 10 February).
The fact is that, in 1989, when responsibility for setting the business rate was still with local government, businesses in inner London contributed three times more to local authority coffers than did domestic ratepayers - voters. This model of local democracy is not one we should be seeking to restore.
SIMON SPERRYN
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry
London EC4
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments