The Guardian view on councils in crisis: local democracy is being betrayed | Editorial

Empty promises to empower local communities are belied by cuts on the ground, at a time of spiralling costs and growing challenges Two years ago this week, Michael Gove unveiled plans for an improbable-sounding "Medici model" to rejuvenate Britain's cities and towns. Among other pledges, the government's levelling up white paper promised to improve public services, restore a sense of local pride and belonging, and empower local leaders. An "array of interventions", it was claimed, would create a...