Originally Posted by Robert Owen (Post 679412)

That is really the key question. I would not have known which year to ask for and am councillor

I think is there is probably about 3 or 4 people who would have known. I know who my money is on.

Originally Posted by Robert Owen (Post 679405)

Neil That's what area councils should be doing, the problem is in the council itself. There is no opportunity for councillors who not in the cabinet to ask questions on any subject, and that includes Tory councillors.

It is partly down to changes in local government, that replaced the old committee system with an all powerful cabinet. But has to be said that Peter has to take some of the blame. He just will not let any councillor speak or ask questions.

Originally Posted by claytonender (Post 679417)

Andrew, I see you don't want to answer my question about members of the public being able to ask questions at the meetings of HBC Cabinet, as they can in both Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle Councils.

Originally Posted by Royboy39 (Post 679416)

I would think that statement to be far more open to discussion than claiming a few bob?..........It is not my idea of democracy. :confused:

Originally Posted by andrewb (Post 679418)

No I didn't, go and ask Mr Britcliffe, I'm not his mouthpiece.

Originally Posted by claytonender (Post 679420)

I am not saying you are his mouthpiece but as a student of politics I would have thought you would have some view on the matter.

I, personally, think it is an excelent idea.

Originally Posted by Royboy39 (Post 679416)

It is not my idea of democracy. :confused:

Originally Posted by Royboy39 (Post 679433)

Have any public Stocks been preserved in Hyndburn? I know where you can buy cheap tomatoes (Love Apples) :)

Originally Posted by claytonender (Post 679392)

Can Jaysay or Andrew please answer this question please?

Why can residents of Hyndburn not ask questions at meetings of the Hyndburn Borough Council's Cabinet, unlike at the meetings of Cabinet at Blackburn with Darwen and Pendle Councils?
This is a link to Pendle's website
Pendle Borough Council - Speaking at Committee Meetings - How to have your say at Council Committee Meetings

Peter Britcliffe claims to be democratic. but he does not allow questions from residents and only allows questions (or comments) from non Conservative party members if he thinks the the opinions expressed will be in agreement with his own.

I appreciate that residents can speak at meetings of Area Council, but these meetings are regarded by many residents as 'talking shops' with all the decisions arrived at by the elected members prior tot he meeting.

Originally Posted by g jones (Post 679335)

Lets just put this into perspective.

1. I spend 99% of my time (deliberatly so) going forward and doing positive things. Eg I just spent hours getting successfully £114,000 Lottery funding for Peel Ward last week (with Bernard and Wendy).

I have had one invitee to Peel Ward already AND the upshot was "what the bloody hell is my councillor doing then!". I am not important. Let's stick to the issues.

2. I HAVE TO spend 1% of my time (reluctantly as Bagpuss who I know is not Labour - suggested) on issues like this. Andrew FOI 'd the Council for one reason.

Rather than back peddle to defend a slanted view that was unrepresentative which is what Andrew does I am happy to come clean and tell the truth up front.The 'mud slinging' accusations don't matter as they don't account for the 99% good work that I do.

The only thing that matters of course (if Hyndburn wants to be great)is The Truth. Burying one's head in the sand to these people will not achieve that.

Originally Posted by Less (Post 679479)

Let's really put thing's in perspective,

What is needed by we the poor electorate is for you and everyone else to work for us as a team, you have all been voted in, ignore the party, look out for the people that put you there,