Quote:
Originally Posted by garinda
I take it that the structure of these councils would remain as is? With a Chairman and up to nine co-optees, all unelected by the general public?
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You have got that a little confused Gary.
Using Oswaldtwistle as an example.
The current Oswaldtwistle Area Council is made up of the elected Councillors from the wards of Oswaldtwistle. Those Councillors vote on a Chair and Vice Chair. It is these Councillors that vote on issues. Yes there are un-elected co-optees. They can not vote on anything so have absolutely no power or influence on anything at all. I think there are currently 4 or 5 co-optees, one of which is Oswaldtwistles County Councillor. She will not be able to vote on anything either as she is not a local Ward Councillor. The other co-optees all have strong ties with the local community. For example one is from Rhyddings School and another from the Friends of Rhyddings Park
The the Chair of the Friends of Rhyddings Park was co-opted was because we report back to the Area Council at the meeting about what is happening with the park. We work closely with the Council on park issues like the current ongoing Parks for People lottery bid to restore the park. We were set up not just as a friends group but as a management group, we currently manage the Pets Corner almost independently from the Council. I say almost because quite rightly, we have to follow certain guidelines from the Council regarding animal welfare etc. Oopps I wondered a bit sorry.