Page 10 - link magazine

10 swindonlink.com • March 2011
How should Swindon Council be led?

In January’s Link Geoff Reid of www.talkswindon.org wrote that Swindon
Council had avoided discussion on whether the town should have an
elected mayor. In February council lead Rod Bluh argued that the model
of a ‘strong leader’ elected for four years supported by a cabinet is the best
way forward to tie in with the government’s localism agenda.
FREE Box Here Des Morgan from Woodhall Park comments on the debate.
on your Regrettably the response to council ‘consultation’ on changing governance
fi rst order last Autumn was distressingly poor. So it was no surprise the council-
lors Review Working Group recommended the model favoured by the
existing administration, the ‘Strong Leader-cabinet’
The options offered for consid- will be greater accountability, and
eration were quite similar, but the therefore better scrutiny. Finally, it’s
fundamental difference was that said a Strong Leader-Cabinet model
an elected mayor is chosen by the will deliver consistency in decision
people at the ballot box, whereas making. There is some logic in the
with the ‘Strong Leader’ model the fi rst two but the third claim is a make
decision is made by a few politicians weight add-on.
at the Civic Offi ces. Hardly the best In the February Link coun Bluh
example of democracy in action also mentions the new Localism Bill
but typically favoured by autocrats and the way in which it incorporates
everywhere. a power of general competence.
Coun Bluh made the point that Described as allowing the council
once elected a mayor is in post for to do things providing there is no law
four years. Is this really that different stopping them, this is the complete
Get ready for Spring with a rainbow from the chosen model? The leader’s reverse of what we currently have,
term of offi ce starts on their election which is that the council can only do
of colours to brighten up your home! date and ends on their last day as a something where the law permits it.
councillor, again four years.
Charisma Blinds - the place for quality and value I accept the claim that the leader
can be sacked by full council at any
Suppliers of all types of blinds and awnings time. However, this conveniently
Full fi tting service or cash and carry overlooks the fact that this would
Factory showroom open Monday to Thursday 9.30am - 5.30pm require a resolution to be supported
Friday 9.30am - 5pm, Saturday 10am - 4pm by a majority of the council including
BSS House, Cheney Manor Ind. Est., Swindon. Tel: 01793 434584 the Leader’s own members voting
for the proposal. It’s hardly likely for
the following reason – patronage.
Patronage is a key difference
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST PRICES IN 2010 between the existing arrangements
and the new form of governance. It
will be the leader, and not the council
who appoints the deputy and the
members of cabinet. The leader will Des Morgan, getting at the real meaning
also personally determine the size
of local governance and localism
and make up of the cabinet with
the absolute right of choice. What It doesn’t take too many grey cells
a convenient way to control the to see the attraction of this less than
decision making process - fear and subtle change. However, to disguise
See the carpet or fl oor favour from the same hand. the real benefi t to a Strong Leader it
covering of your choice, As a real bonus the ‘Strong Leader’ is suggested that the appeal of this
where it will be enjoyed, next also approves the Scheme of Delega- new bill is that it will change the
to your other furnishings. tions which means he/she chooses relationship the council has with
Home Choose Carpets - the which executive powers are retained Whitehall and put the residents of
family run business with over for their own use and what powers Swindon fi rst. That’s far too sim-
30 year’s experience of serving are exercised by others - including plistic and I doubt anyone is taken
the level of executive entitlement for in by such a line.
customers in the Swindon area. offi cers. This begs the question: what Let’s consider the infamous Wi-Fi
Free estimates. Luxury underlay, is the purpose of a chief executive project in which there was zero cabi-
all accessories and installation on a super six fi gure remuneration net debate or involvement, where
included in the price! package? two people decided to spend £400k
Surely a Strong Leader of the of taxpayer money on a ‘gamble.’ Do
No hidden extras; no council, the chief executive in all the people of Swindon really want
obligation - just great service but name, with power and control to see such risk taking? Under the
Appointments to suit you: vested in a small group chosen en- Localism Bill that’s exactly what the
day, evening or weekend tirely by the leader diminishes the council will continue to be able to do.
relevance or need for backbench Enthusiastic support for the
Call Trevor Salter on councillors. Why would anyone Strong Leader-Cabinet model is un-
01793 812995 want to stand as a community rep- derstandable as power is preferred
or 07860 882588 resentative when power is vested in to mere infl uence, which goes some
the hands of so few?
way to explaining why a politician
or email: Politicians claim the new model might prefer the attraction of being
[email protected] will give transparency in who makes the Strong Leader.
www.carpetsswindon.co.uk decisions, in which forum, and • Read the full version of this
on what advice. It’s claimed there article at www.swindonlink.com

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