Is England a democracy, if local elections can be delayed two yearsZ
We are told this to save money.
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SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
Local elections are expensive to hold at normal times. Many local councils are preparing for a major reorganisation to single tier authorities. Elected councillors may only have 6-12 months in office before their seats are abolished and they will have to run again for the new authority. As turnout for a local election is generally low (35%-40%), this is arguably not an efficient use of local taxpayers' money and will place unacceptable strain on councils' limited resources.
In addition, any Reform councillors elected have a high probability of not turning up for work or falling out with their local party, so the whole ward becomes disenfranchised.
Yes, of course England is a democracy. Any decision made to postpone a local ballot in May (more than half will go ahead as plsnned) was taken at a local level by those same democratically elected councillors.
In addition, any Reform councillors elected have a high probability of not turning up for work or falling out with their local party, so the whole ward becomes disenfranchised.
Yes, of course England is a democracy. Any decision made to postpone a local ballot in May (more than half will go ahead as plsnned) was taken at a local level by those same democratically elected councillors.
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl Do you consider a two year extension as acceptable?
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl So councils will hang on to power until that time!
That will give time for the main Parties to put their acts in order. The dice are loaded in their favour.
That will give time for the main Parties to put their acts in order. The dice are loaded in their favour.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
@peterlee "Power" to mend potholes, supervise the handful of state schools that have not yet converted to academies, and provide comprehensive social care with limited resources.
The people who get most heated about this issue are those who have little idea about how local government works (and struggles) and would like to use it as a proxy for national politics irrespective of local sentiment.
My council is in No Overall Control with Independent councillors forming the largest single group. This promotes collaborative, non-partisan politics that responds to local needs rather than parroting the messages of a Westminster grouping. Which is what local government should be all about, in my humble opinion.
The people who get most heated about this issue are those who have little idea about how local government works (and struggles) and would like to use it as a proxy for national politics irrespective of local sentiment.
My council is in No Overall Control with Independent councillors forming the largest single group. This promotes collaborative, non-partisan politics that responds to local needs rather than parroting the messages of a Westminster grouping. Which is what local government should be all about, in my humble opinion.
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl It does not matter what I think. I was denied voting last year, and again this.
I just pay £310 a month.
I just pay £310 a month.
SunshineGirl · 36-40, F
@peterlee Why were you denied voting last year?
peterlee · M
@SunshineGirl Same reason as this. Reorganisation
What little I know, East and West Sussex are to be being combined with Brighton, and there is going to be a Mayor.
The culture/problems/issues of Brighton are very different from the social depravity and neglect of East Sussex or the wealth of West.
So let’s say I don’t understand the issues or what this vision of local government will achieve. I’m happy with that. But then again nor do most people in this vast area.
I gather the consultation process has now come to an end. But I don’t recall being consulted on anything.
What little I know, East and West Sussex are to be being combined with Brighton, and there is going to be a Mayor.
The culture/problems/issues of Brighton are very different from the social depravity and neglect of East Sussex or the wealth of West.
So let’s say I don’t understand the issues or what this vision of local government will achieve. I’m happy with that. But then again nor do most people in this vast area.
I gather the consultation process has now come to an end. But I don’t recall being consulted on anything.
FreddieUK · 70-79, M
@peterlee Small point: I think you meant 'social deprivation'. I suspect depravity is common through all levels of society. 😀
I signed up to my local council to be informed of all consultations as they happen. I ignore the ones I'm not affected by, but there are enough I contribute to, but it means reading the actual proposals which can take a while.
I signed up to my local council to be informed of all consultations as they happen. I ignore the ones I'm not affected by, but there are enough I contribute to, but it means reading the actual proposals which can take a while.