Forum Topic

Council Tax Increase

When we read the interpretations of the leaders of the three main political parties it becomes obvious that we should take the running of the Council out of politician's hands. Leave it to the civil servants, why involve the dodgy politicians. It's not rocket science and it's not a juggling act, we want it all maintained. It is all OUR money whether it comes via the Government Treasury or directly from Council Tax. As the system stands the Government can blame the Councillors and the Councillors can blame the Government, for any failures.

Roy Baker ● 3338d12 Comments

Yes, me too. I usually vote Labour (LibDem now) but on very local matters we have an excellent Tory guy here (David Millican) who gets my vote.The tram thing was crazy. I was at a party with a local Labour person who absolutely refused to listen when I said it would lose them the local elections. Very important local matters override national issues - usually. With perhaps the exception of Brexit !

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

In a sense we find that local councillors are becoming more tied to the party machine rather than being a local with passion who feels more comfortable with a particular parties politics from what you say Graham. I am a labour voter but if I was a councillor would i be frustrated by the inner cabinet and their highly paid officials making all the decisions. from what i see that appears to be the case in Ealing. Yes the Tram was an amazingly foolish proposal but as anyone who dealt with the consultation it was a plan that meant opposition and even the pointing out of weaknesses was shouted down. That is why i voted for Boris as Mayor

Peter Chadburn ● 3337d

Yes it usually goes according to the national trends but Ealing did as I mentioned twice break the trend on the basis of local issues;  over maladministation by Labour prior to 1990 and over the tram. Both local and the first was way against the national mood and in 2008 too.

Graham Weeks ● 3337d

Yes it does but it really shouldn't. I think local issues should be viewed in a different way but I know I'm on a hiding to nothing there. Most people don't understand a difference.

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

It is also ta fact that national party politic affects local elections. Ealing went Tory in 1982 with the Falklands Factor. Since then it has been Labour except when it did something silly to lose control. 1900 Conservative majority because Labour had been loony left and spendthrift 1986 to 89 and reform in their last year before the election was not enough. Back to Labour in 94 then the only time they have been out of office since is thanks to Red Ken and his tram folly.

Graham Weeks ● 3337d

I agree Graham. It would need a nationwide agreement that no local politics had party allegiance. I know it will never happen.

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

Not party political is the usual cry. But independents receive few votes. I voted for one in Perivale but the usual  Lab/Con people were elected. To be elected one in fact needs a party machine. If you want to serve you join a party and see if you can find a winnable seat. That is the real world. So after I fell out with the Conservatives nationally I did not seek to re-enter local politics having lost my seat in 1998.

Graham Weeks ● 3337d

or maybe not....adjectiveadjective: partisan; adjective: partizan1. prejudiced in favour of a particular cause."newspapers have become increasingly partisan"synonyms: biased, prejudiced, one-sided, coloured, discriminatory, preferential, partial, interested, parti pris, bigoted, sectarian, factional, unjust, unfair, inequitable, unbalanced 

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

Possibly...............

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

I believe you mean party politics.

Graham Weeks ● 3337d

There is a very strong argument for taking politics out of local government though. There really is no need for partisan policies and tribalism of any flavour in civic matters.

Penelope Crocker ● 3337d

Are you implying all councillors are dodgy politicians? These people are responsible and answerable to the electorate. Civil servants have no such position. They are secure in their posts barring misconduct. Central and local governments have been in tension for centuries. Their is nothing new there. The electorate decides who is responsible for failings at a given time. It is probably well past the time for a reconsideration of the Barnet formula but that is a very hot potato in the light of devolution. Central government is too busy with greater affairs.

Graham Weeks ● 3337d