The defunding of Local Authorities and increased centralisation and government control

I didn't vote Conservative, never have, never will so does that mean I can't contribute.

Not at all Iam. I was trying not sound anti-Conservative as I am really interested in how the Conservative voter feels about our disappearing Local Authorities. I have a feeling I may have failed in both that and in irritating those in your position. Apologies if I have.

Like you, Iam64 I voted against having a Mayor, but agree that Any Burnam has been very good at speaking up for our region.
The track and trace system should have been given into the hands of the local authorities to be organised and implemented locally but has instead been given to private companies like Serco who do not have a good record for value or efficiency, a policy to continue outsourcing and so continue the sidelining of Local Government but also the fragmentation and privatisation of the NHS.

Do you have a link for this so I can read up on it GGUMTEENTH? And does that only apply in England as here in Wales we’re under Labour and have been since devolution.

GG - I didn't vote Conservative, never have, never will so does that mean I can't contribute.
Yes I did know this has been Conservative policy. No I don't believe its successful.
No it hasn't helped us during the pandemic.
I'm in Greater Manchester. I voted against us having a Mayor but when it was imposed, voted for our Mayor, Andy Burnham.
He's been a breath of fresh air for our region. He is active, visible, totally focussed on what we need. He is asking for the regions to be given power/responsibility to make decisions on the pandemic. Our R rate is increasing, its higher than it is in the south east, so Andy Burnham, rightly, is questioning whether our schools should open, the lockdown be eased.
Yes -I believe we should have more control devolved to the regions. Those of us in what is referred to as "the north" are disadvantaged in so many ways.