Call for more powers to local councils., As if we didn't have enough to worry about! Options

[On the edge]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-30266834

I have to say, as far as I'm concerned, this would be the biggest downside to the devolution no vote. Whilst logically, it might seem the right answer to restore and give back powers to local councils, their antics round here suggest that they can't cope with the power they have already.

We do have a model, Newbury Town Council was restored, after a period of abolition, but it's been an unmitigated disaster. Equally, WBC was created (in reality) by giving a district council far more powers than they had previously. Again, that Council has hardly covered itself in glory.

In spite of the large number of councillors, at local level, we seem unable to find effective leaders at any level. I can't see that we'd correct that simply by giving the Councils even more power.

Yes, there needs to be an English counter to the devolved 'governments' elsewhere, or we'll end up with a Charter Trustees model; a convenient milch cow to subsidise spending. But this proposal is surely the wrong answer.

[On the edge]

Not totally convinced that it was all the fault of Whitehall. Let's face it, a deficit of real political leadership locally and the proclivity of certain parties to play act Westminister politics locally has also contributed. Local government as we knew it has had its day, a busted flush.

[Simon Kirby]

Not totally convinced that it was all the fault of Whitehall. Let's face it, a deficit of real political leadership locally and the proclivity of certain parties to play act Westminister politics locally has also contributed. Local government as we knew it has had its day, a busted flush.

I agree, it's hard to see how this has anything at all to do with Whitehall. The problem as I see it is that politicians have forgotten that they are there to serve the public interest and hold the council to account. What we have is the exact opposite where politicians believe the public owe them deference, and that their role is to protect the council's abuse from public scrutiny. The council machine encourages this, shepherding their councillors, fluffing their pride with the promise of a turn in the bi-corn hat if they're good little lambs, and scaring them with stories of a ravening public.

[blackdog]

I agree, it's hard to see how this has anything at all to do with Whitehall. The problem as I see it is that politicians have forgotten that they are there to serve the public interest and hold the council to account. What we have is the exact opposite where politicians believe the public owe them deference, and that their role is to protect the council's abuse from public scrutiny. The council machine encourages this, shepherding their councillors, fluffing their pride with the promise of a turn in the bi-corn hat if they're good little lambs, and scaring them with stories of a ravening public.

What we have is a council dominated by a small clique of 'executive members' who have, with the encouragement of Whitehall, usurped the old committee based council system. Most councillor have virtually nothing to do apart from turn up at a few meetings to vote the way they are told. Reading has had the good sense to kick out this oligarchic system and revert to the old, far more democratic, system.

Not that it does them that good because Whitehall tells them how much they can spend on what - if they have real control over 10% of the council's activities I'd be astounded.

[Simon Kirby]

What we have is a council dominated by a small clique of 'executive members' who have, with the encouragement of Whitehall, usurped the old committee based council system. Most councillor have virtually nothing to do apart from turn up at a few meetings to vote the way they are told. Reading has had the good sense to kick out this oligarchic system and revert to the old, far more democratic, system.

Not that it does them that good because Whitehall tells them how much they can spend on what - if they have real control over 10% of the council's activities I'd be astounded.

In truth I have very little experience of WBC, and what experience I do have corresponds with what you say so I don't disagree. My comment was directed largely at NTC where I have a better understanding than most, and where the victimisation is particularly bad if you challenge that clique - Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera made a brave stand but took some serious hostility for his efforts and has taken the only credible decision left and resigned from the Council.

At WBC I'm not convinced that a democratic committee-council is any better than an executive or even mayoral system. In principle it sounds better because you have greater oversight, but in practice I don't see the elected councillors challenging any abuse of power. You get the odd bit of grand-standing in the local paper, but the clique that control the local parties won't allow anyone to stand for election who has the slightest inclination to challenge the comfort of the establishment.

[NWNREADER]

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera made a brave stand but took some serious hostility for his efforts and has taken the only credible decision left and resigned from the Council.

He has? I missed that....