Can I add my thanks to the organisers of the Public First event in Dorchester on January 7. The meeting was well attended and there was an interesting and lively discussion. There was a clear majority of those present who favoured the creation of a Unitary Authority in Dorset and the debate will no doubt continue. It is important that this debate includes everyone in Dorset and that should include the residents of Bournemouth and Poole.

The fact that they already have a Unitary Authority does not mean that they are excluded. The issue of existing Local Authority boundaries needs to be reviewed across the whole county.

The ongoing cuts in public spending by the current Government are having serious effects on local services so Local Government, and the democracy that is implicit within it, is under threat.

If local people cannot influence the kind of system they want or the services that are provided then that is not democracy as I understand it.

The wider issue of devolution will no doubt be under scrutiny in the run up to the General Election. This is much more than a vague idea of English votes for English MPs. It should be about passing power to the people and enabling them to make decisions for themselves.

In May we will see elections at both local and national level and there is therefore an opportunity to ensure that you get the kind of government that you want.

In order for things to happen there has to be the political will to do so and that lies with voters and not just candidates.

Patrick Canavan Labour Party Prospective Parliamentary Candidate Mid Dorset & North Poole