R.I.P. The Democratic Process in RCT

12.15.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 23rd May 2009

The Labour administration in RCT have voted to severely limit the number of motions opposition Councillors can bring forward for debate by the Council. Until now there has been no limit but now our group will only be able to submit two motions a year for discussion.

Why is this? Several reasons - one being Labour total disregard for the democratic process. They have been the subject of public scorn recently following motions regarding expenses, and by issues such as the renaming of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen.

A cynic - and there are a growing number amongst members of the public - may think the reason is to prevent the Labour Group from being embarrassed by having their failings further highlighted.

They are no doubt finding it harder and harder to justify how they can turn down good ideas merely because they are put forward by the opposition.

People may further wonder if it is perhaps a way of reducing the length of meetings so that Councillors do not have to sit in meetings longer than some would like.

Given the current level of public faith in politicians neither reason will I imagine be met with much understanding amongst the people we represent.

Recent motions have included a suggestion that Councillors did not take a pay rise this year given the current economic climate and cutbacks being made in services.

At the Council meeting on 20th May Labour leader Russell Roberts claimed that there had been attempts to "hijack the agenda for political ends." And that they needed to put an end to "frivolous motions"

We have put forward motions to cut the number of empty properties; switch off street lights where possible; retain the Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen name; look at provision of disabled toilets; keep the paddling pool in the Park; and suspend car parking charges to help our town centres in these difficult economic times.

Frivolous? The people affected by these issues don't think so.

The new system is hardly democratic - but there has been little evidence of any democracy in RCT for some time. Labour claim to be open and transparent, but they are afraid to face the public, afraid to engage in honest debate, and most of all afraid because they know their support is fading fast.

Cllr Mike Powell