Is this the end of democracy? (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Is this the end of democracy?

9:31am Thursday 5th August 2010 in

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Is democracy dead in Halton Council?

In response to Les Taylor of English Radical Alliance concerning the need to consider boundary changes due to the decision-making process made by Halton Borough Council’s Labour-controlled council, the decisions are taken without proper scrutiny.

When the council moved to the Cabinet-style council of a leader and nine policy and performance boards(PPBs) which are meant to carry out the scrutiny role.

They are meant to scrutinise the work of the variouse directorates who bring reports.

The PPBs are made up by represententives of the three parties weighted by the labour party who also hold the position of chairman/vice-chairman who are paid additional allowances.

They are also attended by the executive board member responsible for the directorate. Members can ask questions but no changes or criticisms are acted on.

The executive board of 10 make decisions affecting the work of the PPBs which are minuted and passsed down to them, to be ‘noted’ pending scrutiny.

The terms of reference for all committees, PPBs and council meetings are contained in the Halton Borough Council constitution which is yet again weighted and voted on and amended if required.

Yes Mr Taylor the council’s strong base is Widnes along with the boroughs MP so there little hope of democracy for the people, history tells us this is not healthy.

Trevor Higginson Runcorn