Freedom of funding, democratic checks and balances and a local government model that truly cuts costs was the emerging call for the next manifesto as the Tonbridge, Edenbridge & Malling discussion group took on the question of localism.
Kicking off the debate, Localis's Alex Thomson set the national policy scene, while leading KCC councillor Clive Pearman drew on his local experience heading up Edenbridge Town Council to show what could be done. Sevenoak's Leader Peter Fleming then described his vision of a radical modernisation of local government free from the restraints of national funding.
In the lively and wide-ranging discussion that ensued, the capacity of the voluntary sector to take on services, the ambitions and reality of planning reform, the perceived failings of rural policy and the support of local business were all addressed. But it was felt that without councils freeing themselves of central funding, true localism could never quite be achieved.
There was both optimism and reality as the future was considered for local government, the Coalition's record considered and the opportunities that might unfold debated. For localism to work, central Government would need a renewed relationship of trust with its local counterparts - trust in the ability of local people to take responsibility and power in the way which was so ably described tonight.
Thanks again to Alex and Peter and to Clive for arranging an excellent evening's debate and to all who took part. On this form, the future could yet still be local!