Localism -" The New Hope"

The localism bill is presented as an opportunity to transfer power from central government to local government. It also sets out to give ownership of issues to local communities. These freedoms are a good idea. It should improve local democracy. However, we must be careful about what we wish for. It cannot become a mechanism for self interest. Organisations such as the National Trust are concerned about the planning processes envisaged. We either get large scale development with self interest at the centre or we end up with the classic "nimby" scenario. We wait with interest for the outcomes of the planning battles. If we have elected mayors then there must be a recall mechanism as well.

Localism should not be about cuts. It should be about ensuring appropriate service needs are determined locally and are delivered to the required standards. Value for money needs to be delivered locally.

Interesting times ahead.

Top Ten Films

A recent conversation came round to the topic of my favourite films. After much thought, this is my list.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird - stays true to the book. Brilliant portrayal by Gregory Peck.
2. Das Boot - Does the book justice. Just as I imagined it.
3.Star Wars IV (new hope) - It was transformational for me.
4. Breakfast as Tiffanys - Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard were superb. Great Book and movie.
5. Gandhi - Ben Kingsley superb. Dickie Attenborough provides a sympathetic treatment of a difficult story.
6.Hard Boiled - A modern thriller. Chu Yuan Fat is very good. Comical as well. John Woo classic.
7. Godfather 1 or 2 - both were superb. Not 3. Goodfellas comes very close.
8. Porcco Rosso - Anything by Studio Ginobli should be on this list. This is my favourite.
9. How the West was Won - cannot think of a weakness. It had everything.
10.Good night and good luck. Great ensemble cast. Story is very relevant.

Others that deserve consideration; All the Presidents Men, Being There, Network, Syrianna, The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, Hondo,Shawshank Redemption, Iron Cross, Schindlers List, Chariots of Fire, Il Postino, Bambi, Toy Story, The Sting, El Mariachi, The Hurt Locker, No Country for Old Men to name a few.