Local councillors are more trusted than MPs and have better records when it comes to financial control, a council leader has claimed in a bid for greater powers to be handed down from Westminster.
Sutton Council approved a motion on Monday asking the Government to give local authorities greater powers over budgeting, public services and council tax.
Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of the council, said local councillors are more trusted than MPs, have better records when it comes to financial control and are the right people to oversee the country's recovery from recession.
She said: "When I first became a councillor in 2002 I was surprised at how skewed the decision making in this country is.
"We live in one of the most centralised democracies in the world.
"It limits our ability to make steps for the best outcomes for people in our areas.
"We've got two options: we can passively and meekly complain about cuts and whinge about Eric Pickles or we can grasp the moment and demand a new redistribution of power.
"Everywhere we look councils are improving outcomes, changing lives and saving money but we could be doing so much more. We're more efficient than central government and far more trusted."
Coun Dombey's call was backed unanimously by both her own party and the Conservatives on Sutton council.
She added: "In a British way and a quiet way there will be a revolution in this country and we have the chance to be part of it."
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