We must put openness at the heart of council’s political process. No more secret “workshops” and no more stifling debate and discussion.
When a major council annual budget planning meeting takes 21 minutes, you start to wonder where else the discussion really took place.
Consultation on community projects should be open, transparent and not be a means to a predetermined end (eg “do you want a concrete path” rather than “what colour would you like your concrete path”)
There is a widespread perception that council consultation is predetermined and, whatever the public says, it will push on with its plans regardless. We need a more humble approach by council that explains to people both the cost and benefits of new proposals – and leaves open the possibility of retaining the status quo, where possible.