Give Councils Power to create local bank holidays say Liberal Democrats

Local Liberal Democrats are calling on the government to give Local Councils the power to designate a set number of days per year as bank holidays to allow for the celebration of local events and culture.

The Lib Dems say that the four Black Country Councils should then use these powers to designate July 14^th, Black Country Day, as a bank holiday.

Speaking on the proposals Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Cradley and Wollescote, Ryan Priest said:

"The Black Country has a rich culture and heritage that we come together to celebrate on July 14^th of every year, but wouldn't it be great if our area could have its own bank holiday to celebrate it properly?

"I am as proud to be from the Black Country as I am to be from England - we should be able to celebrate both accordingly."

With just 8 public holidays per year, the UK lags behind many other European countries such as France and Sweden both of which have 11 public holidays.

Lib Dems locally believe that granting councils the power to create local bank holidays would give Brits the extra breaks they deserve while also celebrating the many local cultures and traditions across the country.