Radical Changes to Council could Gag Lib Dems (South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats)

South East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats <info@secambslibdems.org.uk>

Radical Changes to Council could Gag Lib Dems

May 23, 2010 2:13 PM

Gareth Wilson, District Councillor for Haddenham

Gareth Wilson is opposing Cabinet-style government

Liberal Democrats fear Tories on East Cambridgeshire District Council are to push through radical changes which could leave them without a voice.

The move to introduce Cabinet-style government would mean up to eight leading Tories would make decisions on key issues without opposition.

Although the meetings would be open to the public there would be no Lib Dem representation. And the reverse would apply if the Lib Dems were in control there would be no Conservative opposition.

Members of the public are being asked their views on the Cabinet system until August 2. If it gains support it could be introduced next Spring and would be irreversible.

Gareth Wilson, East Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrat leader said: "I cannot understand why if the system is not broken, we need to fix it.

"Cabinet member allowances will increase taking more money from the taxpayer and key decisions will be taken with input from just one party and rubber stamped.

"I would urge everyone to have their say on this proposal and object on the basis that to operate effective, democratic local government we need to hear both sides of the argument."

Lib Dems would be able to call in decisions to the council's overview and scrutiny committee but would not be involved in the initial decision-making process.

Councillor Ian Allen said: "It is crucial that the Lib Dems have a chance to voice their opinions so that people can hear the alternative arguments otherwise I cannot see what we were elected for.

"If we cannot discuss an issue how can we affect the outcome? The Tories would be given carte blanche to drive through their own agenda unchallenged. This is totally undemocratic."

Cabinet-style government was discussed several years ago when the Lib Dems were in control of the council and rejected as "undemocratic"