Page 46 - link magazine

VIEWPOINT: Is democracy in
Swindon being dealt a mortal blow?

Local commentator Des Morgan asks whether the vision
for the town could result in Swindon Council being less
accountable to the community.
For many months the current Leader how casually cllr Renard and his
of Swindon Council, councillor colleagues seem to forget these
David Renard, has been citing the services are paid for by way of
mantra of his predecessor, telling taxation and that surely it is for the
Swindon residents how they must people to decide whether or not the
prepare for change in the way subsidy should continue.
local government provides council In his most recent announcement
services. the leader advises that not only will
He and his colleagues have been the people have to make do with
at great pains to point out the less despite paying more, but the
budget issues facing the council checks and balances provided by
Blinds to compliment your home which will result in fewer public their representatives will be brought
to an end as democratically elected
services delivered with reduced
frequency, and in some cases, councillors are forced to release
Excellent quality, great customer service and provided by a third party, charity or their hold on what he refers to as
amaZiNG value for moNey a not for profit organisation. “some of the formal controls that
they have enjoyed so long”.
We have already seen the demise
of some services and reductions in What this really means is a
We offer a huge range of products and colours others, coupled with organisational significant change in the role of
and we can supply and install beautiful changes such as the hiving off of elected representatives with a
reduction in their powers which
leisure facilities and the news that
blinds from as little as £37.00 save Lydiard House and park may well be frankly will only be welcomed by
10% off next in line. the very people who need more
The council is right to ask whether overseeing and not less. Indeed it
Call now on: 01793 338056 your first order it is right to provide £450,000 of is the result of the introduction of
www.nothingbutblinds.co.uk with this advert support to a single facility like the cabinet system of controlling
Lydiard, but what strikes me is council affairs about ten years ago
SDN Swindon Link 140915.qxp_Layout 1 14/09/2015 16:45 Page 1

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46 swindonlink.com n November 2015