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Labour focus 'must be on reform' Labour focus 'must be on reform'
(about 3 hours later)
Labour will lose the next general election if it shies way from radical reform, a minister is set to warn. Labour will lose the next general election if it shies away from radical reform, a minister is set to warn.
Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly will insist there will be no stepping back from policy reforms otherwise Labour will become a party of opposition.Communities Secretary Ruth Kelly will insist there will be no stepping back from policy reforms otherwise Labour will become a party of opposition.
In a speech to community groups in Birmingham she will promise to give more power to local people than ever.In a speech to community groups in Birmingham she will promise to give more power to local people than ever.
Ms Kelly will aim to counter suggestions that a new white paper on local government is being watered down.Ms Kelly will aim to counter suggestions that a new white paper on local government is being watered down.
Challenge councilsChallenge councils
She will promise to make it easier for people to challenge local council decisions and to own or run facilities such as community halls, libraries and sports centres.She will promise to make it easier for people to challenge local council decisions and to own or run facilities such as community halls, libraries and sports centres.
BBC local government correspondent John Andrew said council leaders fear the white paper will not be radical enough and concentrate on reducing targets and cutting back red tape.BBC local government correspondent John Andrew said council leaders fear the white paper will not be radical enough and concentrate on reducing targets and cutting back red tape.
He said those leaders suspect the early influence of the camp of would-be Labour leader Gordon Brown which is thought to be more cautious about handing down power.He said those leaders suspect the early influence of the camp of would-be Labour leader Gordon Brown which is thought to be more cautious about handing down power.
Our correspondent said the big test is whether councils get the extra powers they want over transport, planning and housing.Our correspondent said the big test is whether councils get the extra powers they want over transport, planning and housing.
Tony Blair is already planning four working parties to examine Labour policies for the next decade.Tony Blair is already planning four working parties to examine Labour policies for the next decade.
These will cover foreign policy, public services, economic competitiveness, and security and migration.These will cover foreign policy, public services, economic competitiveness, and security and migration.