WRITTEN EVIDENCE
SUBMITTED BY
FROM JACKIE
TERRY (LOCO 11)
I am extremely concerned that more decisions may
be decided at a local level. I would say that there could be more
dissatisfaction with local politicians than national politicians
and I think that this would be worth exploring via a survey. At
least national politicians are of a certain intellect which
cannot be said about local politicians. Sometimes very unsuitable
persons are standing and they are elected because there are no
other alternatives.
I am surprised at the power which local politicians
have already and I would not like them to have more power but
less power. After a local election I am always surprised about
how many changes are made even though so very few will have voted
for the local politicians.
If you want to see local dissatisfaction at work
you need look no further than the Isle of Wight. The council there
are very poor and unpopular regardless of who are elected. Many
of the councillors there seem to have been disciplined for various
reasons. Money has been wasted and I am amazed that the district
auditor has not stepped in. Maybe it is so discredited that competent
people do not want to stand. Running a council requires competence
and professionalism which is sadly lacking in many councillors
all over the country. If localism is going to happen then there
has to be a different model of local Government.
August 2010
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