This week a radical plan to banish nonsense red tape and repeal unnecessary laws was unveiled by the government.

Under the last government, reams of regulatory red tape became a traditional part of law making.

Furthermore, many previous acts of parliament empowered secretaries of state to impose regulations almost at will.

This government has made it clear that it will remove the bureaucratic levers of the past and help encourage local people to take control for themselves.

More often than not, excessive legislation results in council staff ticking extra sets of boxes on forms without any discernable improvements in the delivery of services.

Frequently, inputs have been the priority as opposed to outputs, leaving frontline services vulnerable.

I am delighted to support this campaign as I believe there are council officers and support workers who want to make a real difference to Stroud, the Valleys and the Vale but, for far too long, have been tied up in the needless bureaucracy imposed by the government. Under this government, those burdens and targets will be removed to enable staff and councillors to set their own priorities and focus funding on front line services.

The government has invited all council staff to help cut back red tape and suggest statutory guidance or legislation they think should be removed so they can get on with their jobs without unnecessary restrictions. All ‘Cut Red Tape’ ideas will be considered and can be sent to cutredtape@communities.gsi.gov.uk This campaign is part of a wider initiative headed by the government to restore power to individuals - creating more open politics where the people are fully engaged in proposals for change. In my view this openness is long overdue and I hope it will bring a refreshing change to our political process. I also invite you to contact me with your ideas at neil.carmichael.mp@parliament.uk.