Nigel,I don't remember politicians being in such low esteem. Maybe I have more time to watch politics. There is a tendency to vilify politicians and accuse them of enjoying favourable treatment. Whether they do enjoy or not, you will never stop seeing rants about them. I expect you rant, as I can do, about a number of issues. I some how doubt these websites do much to change political views, or what Senior Officers or Councillors get up to, certainly not on any significant scale. But rant on - fellow readers!I don't believe Councillors should be paid more allowances. I don't wish to see them make a career of just politics except possibly the Leader and Deputy Leader. I don't think any politician should be younger than 35. I want them to be much better educated in Local Government affairs.I want these people to have and to continue having experience of real life. Councils are notoriously inefficient. I want Councillors to have a proper job in the outside world so they can bring a bit of change based on outside practices. The question of who does much of the work must also be considered. These are the Officers, and their seniors have a deep vested interest in making a full career. Only if the Councillors are given significantly more power over the Officers would I consider raising the allowances. The risk is that the oligarchy we suffer might be replaced somewhat with anarchy.I can't comment on the Area Committee set up. Ward meetings should be four and not three per annum since too few issues are discussed. Democracy therefore suffers. Are politics being distanced because of Councillors engineering a distance, or is it because there is so much contempt for politicians? Is it them or us? Or is it that the OP is a baby boomer who like many showed more interest in politics than those who are riveted to their mobile screens so they miss what is around them? Like clocks on buildings!;-(
George Knox ● 4181d