Posts Tagged ‘Council’
Statement to Council
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on December 8th, 2009
The Liberal Democrat Party
I will post again soon with some radical proposals that I personally believe are long overdue and desperately necessary.
But on with what I said:
“When I requested an opportunity to make a statement to this meeting, my intention had just been to explain my reasons for leaving the Conservatives in favour of the Liberal Democrats. I will still do that, but afterwards, I would also like to address some specific accusations levelled at me.
“Over the last year or so I have been struggling with my conscience: At the next General Election could I go and ring on the doors of residents of Adur and Brighton & Hove and explain to them why they should vote Conservative?
“Since it became clear to the media that the next government would be Conservative, more and more honest policies have been released. So the Conservatives will set an arbitrary limit on the number of immigrants allowed into Britain. Regardless of the fact that immigration from outside the EU is very difficult in any case, there will now be a limit set by politicians for political rather than economic or cultural reasons. Now, presumably someone’s husband will be told he cannot come to the UK; or the next Director of a large UK company will be denied access because he is that one person over the limit.
“The Conservative Party has been at sixes and sevens over its policy on the European Union promising referenda on treaties that would be illegal under international law and then, when realising this, making no decision at all about what to do about the supposed problems with EU membership. To be clear I have, in the past, been critical of the EU because like most institutions, it is imperfect, but it is better to have a policy of positive engagement than no policy and be isolated by hostility.
“A Conservative government would remove Stamp Duty for first time buyers, but this tax slows movement in the housing market at all levels and it is extraordinarily non-progressive to tax one group just because you can. The Liberal Democrats have a coherent taxation policy that will favour those who most need lower taxes.
“For the last six months, the Conservatives have been publicly confused about their stance on the Financial Services Authority. The FSA currently plans to introduce tough qualifications to try to improve the skill-level of this country’s financial advisers. The current hoo-har over Structured Products backed by Lehmans and likely future crises are the fault of advisers who do not understand how these products work resulting in poor advice being given. A Financial Stability Committee with the FSA left alone to continue where it has expertise is the Liberal policy and the right one.
“Finally, the Conservative Party website describes its policy for National Security thus: “we must defend and make the argument for our shared liberal values” while it intends to continue the fight in Afghanistan where recent laws have stripped womens’ rights back to a Taliban-level of liberality. I quote from the charity Human Rights Watch “[The law] allows a rapist to avoid prosecution by paying ‘blood money’ to a girl who was injured when he raped her.” A new law also allows men to deny their wives food if they fail to obey sexual demands. If these are our shared liberal values…
“I could go on about national and international politics but I shouldn’t ignore the local arena. Our Council has argued for a long time that interference by Whitehall is the one major reason that we are unable to make real, significant and valuable changes to the way we run things. The Liberal Democrats have issued strong words in this respect at a national level.
“So I left the Conservative Party in my heart earlier this year. And then I found my natural home in the Liberal Democrats.
“I had hoped to work with the Conservative administration until May for the benefit of the people of Adur District and I believed, perhaps naively, that the Tory leadership was honest and, like me, here for the benefit of the residents. But it seems holding onto power is more important.
- “Rather than issue a press release that suggested that Cllr English had missed many meetings, when he had in fact missed one;
- “Rather than issue a press release that suggested I had been deselected when actually I had not sought reselection for the reasons I just gave,
“they could have spoken of their personal disappointment in the decision Cllr English and I had taken and reassured the public that they were a steady hand to run the Council.
“I made this decision on principles and I hope, despite this bad start, we can work together in a constructive and positive way in the future.”
Conservatives’ attempted smear
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on December 4th, 2009
I was called by the Argus this afternoon unfortunately while I was at work in my day-job so sadly I was not able to speak to their reporter in time for it to be certain that my response will be included in a story that will be published shortly.
I am extremely disappointed that the Conservative leadership have decided to take this path as I had every expectation that we would be able to work together in the future for the betterment of Adur District in a friendly way. In fact, in my letter to the Leader of the Council I made it quite clear that my reasons for leaving were not in any way a reflection on the Conservatives as individuals. The following is an extract:
I have had my differences, since 2006 when I was elected, with a few people in the party locally, but none of these differences are the cause, or even contributed to my change of heart.
I have found it an extraordinary culture shock, actually, since joining the Council as there’s a lot more ‘politics’ than I have experienced in the real world. At my usual place of work the vast majority do not gossip or insult their colleagues behind each others’ backs and if there’s a problem that needs resolving, people tend to have a chat with the appropriate person. Not so in local politics it seems!
The friendly chap who answered the phone at The Argus read me the Conservative press release and in the absence of an opportunity to respond in the paper, I have drafted the following response:
The Conservative press release suggests that I was deselected as a Conservative Councillor and rather than choosing to leave the party I was compelled by the potential of losing my seat to seek alternatives. I would like to make it quite clear that I have had no interaction whatsoever with the Conservative Party locally in relation to seeking to defend my seat as a Conservative. At around the same time as I decided to switch parties, for idealogical reasons, I also spoke to a Conservative colleague who had expressed an interest in representing the Buckingham Ward and told her that she would have my personal support (she’s a very likeable person as well as being a great Councillor and a hard-worker).
I will be the first to admit that I have not put the hours into being a Councillor that some of my retired colleagues have been able to, but I believe I have represented my constituents’ interests well where I could, and I have provided valuable input to meetings that I have attended.
One of the comments in the press release attempts to associate the amount of allowance that I have claimed to the number of meetings I have attended. This is extraordinarily spurious and should never be the way these numbers are used. It is simplistic in the extreme to suggest that the amount of allowance a Councillor ‘deserves’ should be related to how many meetings they have attended. I did miss a few meetings this year but I have responded promptly and in a helpful manner to my constituents’ requests for information, assistance and advice.
The constituents of Buckingham are fortunate to have Councillor Kennard represent them and she does work very hard for them — I hadn’t previously chosen to shout about the number of people I have helped — I think it is more appropriate to respond to the question and move on!
Since the representatives on each committee were decided earlier this year, I have only been a member of the Constitution and Audit Committee aside from Full Council meetings. This has reduced, significantly the opportunities that I have to be present at Council. This allocation of committees is carried out by the very ‘inner circle’ that was criticised in the press release announcing Carl English’s decision to represent the more reasoned, Liberal Democrat party.
Earlier in my term, however, and before the Cabinet system was adopted, I was welcomed onto the Policy & Strategy Committee for the very reason that I was able to apply intelligence and calm consideration to complex issues at Council. I was vice chair on the Housing and Central Services committee I believe for those same reasons.
So I find it shocking that the Conservatives would now suggest that they would not have chosen to retain these, sadly rare, qualities in one of their own. I believe, if the party wants to be judged on the record of its Councillors (again, according to the Press Release), it should look carefully at some of the people that have passed their supposedly stringent criteria. There are a few highly competent Councillors in the Conservative ranks at Adur and I could name them if I didn’t think that that would be rude. This reliance on a few, though, is not good for the health of Adur Council and reflects strongly on their new criteria given some of the people that I understand have been reselected.
I have requested an opportunity to speak at the next Full Council meeting on 8 December and I would encourage members of the public who are interested, to come along. The meeting starts at 7pm at the Civic Centre on Ham Road (Google Map) and if you enter the main entrance, a friendly person will let you know where the public seating area is.
The Liberal Democrat Party logo
South Downs National Park
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on April 1st, 2009
I support the South Downs National Park.
But some Conservatives have adopted an odd position on the issue. They are against the Park because they believe that local Councils should be allowed to maintain planning controls over their local areas without the interference of the government and/or those who run the Park.
This is befuddling because of two issues:
1. The public clearly support the South Downs being a National Park and so, against the run of play, they are putting political opinion above vote-buying. I’d be impressed except that the Conservatives against the Park are wrong:
2. Local Councils do not have planning controls.
Let me explain (2).
First, people think it is a good thing that elected people help make planning decisions. I think not, actually, given the current framework. The grounds for granting or denying permission are very specific. There is little lee-way within the rules to refuse an application that the public are strongly and demonstrably against. If a Council has the audacity to deny an application on non-planning grounds then after a potentially expensive appeal the decision will likely go the way of the applicant. And to hell with the opinions of the people or the people they have elected to represent them.
Second, I am not convinced that Joe Public vote for politicians; they pathetically vote for the colour of the rosette in an almost tribal fashion. I am convinced that in the vast majority of so-called ‘safe’ seats, a homophobic, racist, misogynist could get elected for any of the three major parties in local government. In fact, looking at many Councillors, the public clearly have no idea what they’re voting for.
How can the public trust local Councils to protect the South Downs when it is run by illogical people with too much spare time who, in any case, do not have the power that they would need.
Any Councillor who, if they read this, thinks I am talking about them can safely assume I am — but know that I am not talking about all or even the majority of Councillors in any particular area. And those who do not fit this description also know who they are.
A National Park is the only way to protect the South Downs from SEEDA and from impossible decisions foisted upon local Councils.
I will leave you with a final thought. Wealden District Council denied planning permission for a disabled soldier’s bungalow application. Do you think the Councillors when making that decision thought to themselves “Sod him, he fought for Queen and country, but rules are rules” or do you think that, hamstrung by rules from outside, they made the only decision they could? So much for democratic accountability.
Development Control Committee (Planning)
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on February 2nd, 2009
The Development Control Committee (known as the Planning Committee by most) has been cancelled tonight because of the weather. Please don’t try and make the journey!
And if you’ve read the Have Your Say on the BBC today with hundreds of people whining that Sweden can cope with this weather, please ignore them and enjoy the snow — this weather is entirely unsuitable for walking in, let alone driving in!
Recycle your tetra paks
Posted by: Gav in Uncategorized on August 19th, 2008
You may know, if you live in Adur District, that we can recycle cardboard cartons used for drinks like orange juice etc. And if you live in Worthing, the same is true (as we share this service).
But if you live elsewhere, the following website shows which Councils can recycle cartons.
Adur results 2008
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on May 2nd, 2008
The bottom line is that the Conservatives retained all their seats and with the postal votes counted it’s a reasonable turn-out and satisfying majorities in every ward.
Congratulations to the successful candidates and thanks to the electorate for not subjecting us to nuisance politics.
The numbers in Worthing are similarly reassuring with the Conservatives picking up one seat and the Lib Dems retaining their tally.
Interesting statistic
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on May 2nd, 2008
Obviously I’m delighted about the results so far for the Conservatives but we’re yet to see how Adur’s results come in — I’m not counting too many chickens.
That said, I’m sure that Debbie Kennard has won Buckingham Ward in Shoreham. Based on our canvas data, though, there was an interesting stat I’d like to share.
Unfortunately Debbie wasn’t able to canvas the whole area due to a combination of factors including getting less help from people like me! Apologies Deb if you’re reading this.
But of the two-thirds of homes that were canvassed, over 20% turn-out was experienced, while the third that was not canvassed only showed a 10% turn-out. And our canvas records show that the turn-out was slightly higher among Conservative pledged voters who were canvassed than ‘Againsts’.
So this is a lesson to us all. Canvassing definitely helps increase turn-out!
State broadcaster in censorship row
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on April 29th, 2008
The BBC and ITV have been accused of attempting to stymie political debate. They objected to part of the content of this video by the Christian Choice Mayoral candidate about a mosque in London:
Now, watch the first half of that video (and don’t get suckered in — religion and politics are separate things and I cannot condone the Christian parties that are united behind this candidate) and tell me whether you see anything offensive. I don’t.
Now, back on message:
Vote Boris in London
Vote Kennard in Buckingham Ward
Vote Conservative in Adur
A varied week
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on January 24th, 2008
What a wonderfully varied week this past one has been when it comes to local politics.
On Monday I attended a party committee which concerns itself with the organisation at a very local level of the party machine. The people who do all the work to support the three of us at that meeting who are elected by the general public (two District Councillors – Debbie Kennard and myself – and the County Councillor – Clive Williams).
Tuesday was a Council committee meeting of the Housing and Central Services committee. And an entirely frustrating rubber-stamping exercise it was. All of the decisions we had to make were no-brainers: Increase Council home rents because the government’s slapping us with a negative subsidy or (you’ll love this) burn our reserves and increase them by even more next year? I think you’ll agree there’s no choice.
And the same was true of all the other agenda items – we had a choice but it was a non-choice.
But the variance came into play tonight with two of Adur District’s and Worthing Borough’s joint committees meeting one after the other. At these meetings we discussed the budget for the shared services (the refuse and recycling collection service and the joint management structure) as well as a report on coastal erosion.
The first item was great news. The Councils have saved, already, £67,000 through being able to buy fewer vehicles because of shared efficiency and we effectively did not have to pay for the new bins because of savings due to economies of scale in the procurement process as well. We have also saved £32,000 in the nine months to the end of the financial year that the service has been running just because of the increased quantities of recycling that are now being collected!
But I cannot be all positive. There was something much more important that came out of this evening’s meetings. The first meeting was of the Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Worthing Liberal Democrat members did not have a single negative comment to make about the services or the savings. They did, momentarily, suggest that Worthing’s Council tax payers are being subsidised by Adur (which isn’t true), but they could not see anything wrong with the savings etc. being made.
It didn’t stop them making a fuss though. And when it came to voting on the recommendation before them, they decided to abstain even though they did not disagree with the recommendation and, as I say, could not find anything negative to say at all.
As a result of this experience I want to make a plea to the residents of Adur and Worthing who may be reading this: Please don’t vote Lib Dem in May – if they win seats the members elected will just be a nuisance and if they win one of the Councils they won’t do a better job because they cannot see anything being done that they would do differently!
Vote Conservative at the local elections in May 2008 and ensure that your Councils continue to run smoothly and efficiently despite the government’s obsession with attempting to run the country’s Councils remotely.
Project Decisions
Posted by: Gav in Gavin Ayling's blog on December 5th, 2007
Last night the Policy and Strategy Committee of Adur District Council (ADC) had to make some tough funding decisions.
If you find your favourite project has been dropped or had its funding cut, write to the Prime Minister and copy in your local Councillor and explain that the burdens on Council Tax in the south of England imposed by central government are making life unreasonably difficult for Councils, for tax payers and for those who rely on assistance from the local Council.
The minutes of the meeting will show which projects did not make the cut and which projects have had their funding modified (reduced). In the meantime, you can see the choices we had to make in Annex 2 (the last page) of Agenda Item 5 of the meeting on 4 December 2007: Policy and Strategy reports and minutes
