Tory leader David Cameron wants less power from Westminster

Tory leader David Cameron launched his Sustainable Communities Bill, calling for the government to reveal how much they spend on local services.

Mr Cameron said the Tories would reduce "the reach of Whitehall, unelected quangos and the new regional bodies".

But central government would still control areas such as acute healthcare.

"Councils should be the collective instrument of local people rather than the local outposts of central government," said Mr Cameron.

I want central government to show more humility about what it can achieve, and local communities to be more ambitious David Cameron Conservative leader

Giving councils a greater say in how much and where money is spent on local services, "the balance of power" would be altered in favour of local councils and local communities.

"It is by permitting local communities to develop their own priorities and their own innovations that we will produce a far higher general standard.

"I want central government to show more humility about what it can achieve, and local communities to be more ambitious," Mr Cameron added.

Last month the government published its plans to shake-up council powers, including health, education and police bosses coming under public scrutiny if there was demand.

White Paper

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Ruth Kelly, said Mr Cameron should have read the White Paper - backed by the Conservative chair of the Local Government Association - to see similar plans.

"If he wishes to see devolution of power to local communities, and greater powers and freedom for local government, then he should get behind the Local Government White Paper which was launched last week.

"The White Paper will radically reduce ring-fenced funding and the number of national performance indicators and targets set by central government.

"It devolves the making of byelaws to local authorities, and strengthens the role of local councillors as champions for their community, through the Community Call for Action," she said.

"The White Paper also proposes strengthening the ability of the Overview and Scrutiny committees to investigate the actions of local public service providers and key public bodies in their area."