Forum Topic

Ward forums

Interesting comments from LibDem leader Gary Malcolm about the disappearance of any meaningful face-to-face meetings with ward councillors. Ward forums were often well attended and although the Labour councillors would usually avoid topics they knew were controversial the meetings did usually shed light on proposals hitherto kept under wraps. Maybe that’s why they haven’t returned.It should concern people that there’s no public debate now. The mooted Town Forums haven’t appeared. Not quite the open and transparent governance Peter Mason promised.One might almost think this council has something to hide.

Simon Hayes ● 877d13 Comments

And Residents think that LBE under Labour isn't a Quasi-Communist Regime.  🤣

Rosco White ● 876d

Ultimately it is probably down to lack of finances - it sounds like the council thought they could fund the expanded Town forums through the Community Infrastructure Levy but less of that is coming through and there are more urgent priorities for what remains.It did strike me at the time as quite spiteful to scrap the old ward forums. They might not have been that effective in parts of the borough but in Southfield ward the Lib Dems used the small budgets they were given quite effectively. I went to two of the meetings before they were scrapped and they were an impressive exercise in local democracy. I can see why the ward councillors are furious they no longer happen as the one bit of discretionary budget they controlled has been taken away from them.

Mark Evans ● 872d

"....the Community Infrastructure Levy but less of that is coming through "Sincere question, how does that square with a new Tower popping up across the Borough nearly every month? Or less.

Rosco White ● 872d

Because despite the apparent breakneck speed of development, quite a few projects in the borough are stalled or being scrapped including the Town Hall scheme. There probably is a lot of CIL money coming through but it must be being prioritised for other things such as health and education provision.

Mark Evans ● 872d

Even without a budget to spend locally the wards forums would still be an exercise in open democracy. Councillors do seem reluctant to be answerable unless there’s an election looming.

Simon Hayes ● 872d

Councillors and MPs should be on Contracts of Employment for the duration of their Term, then I imagine we can more easily get shot of them if they don't perform their duties?Councillors in particular can get voted in and then accomplish absolutely FA, which many are very successful at, and there's nothing residents can do about it. As we SO wearily know full well.This is not right, let alone Democracy.

Rosco White ● 871d

Duh - you just don't vote them in again.

Philippa Bond ● 870d

Duh! You could pin a red rosette on a donkey's arse and it would be elected in Ealing (or Hounslow). We suffer from both the 'directed' vote and a general inability to distinguish between local and national issues.

N V Brooks ● 870d

Duh! But you're stuck with them for four years Ms Bond.Which is my whole POINT.Unless it went over your head?    🙄

Rosco White ● 870d

Giving councillors contracts of employment would achieve little but cost a huge amount as their work status would change and the taxpayer would have fund extra cost such a NIC contributions.You can get rid of councillors currently for misconduct and not attending meetings so it is unclear what extra benefit would be provided for this cost.The reality is that the vast majority of councillors of all parties put in long hours often in the evenings and many of them get an allowance that is scant compensation. If you don't thing they do a good job stand for election. It is simply untrue that parties have a stranglehold on local government. Where a genuine grievance exists with the established parties, Independents have made big gains across the country.

Mark Evans ● 858d

When was there last an independent councillor on Ealing council? Plenty have tried and not succeeded in getting elected. Local elections are usually a protest vote against the incumbent national government. No coincidence that Ealing went Tory in 2006, after seven years of Tony Blair.Some councillors do work hard but there are plenty who don’t and plenty who only listen to the people who agree with them (secret meetings with certain residents go on aplenty). The real legwork is done by council officers, who compile the reports relied on by the cabinet and committees.As you know, the whip system operates very strictly when it comes to voting, so even party affiliated councillors who might disagree with a particular policy have to toe the line. Plenty of examples of Labour councillors getting reprimanded if they go against the grain.

Simon Hayes ● 858d

"As you know, the whip system operates very strictly when it comes to voting, so even party affiliated councillors who might disagree with a particular policy have to toe the line. Plenty of examples of Labour councillors getting reprimanded if they go against the grain."As PERFECTLY illustrated in all its glory if you have ever had the misfortune to attend the absolutely theatrical farce called Planning Committee "voting"....... 🤣

Rosco White ● 856d