30 March 2023
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Draft 2023/24 Annual Plan
Enquiry
Am writing up about the draft annual plan being up for adoption next week and had some comment for response please from Reynold Macpherson RDRR:
"RDRR is appalled by the secrecy surrounding the preparation and consideration of the draft Annual Plan. There is neither a planned release of the reports given by officials to elected members at the public-excluded sessions held on 15 February, 8 March and 22 March, nor of recordings of the debates."
"Once again, the affordability of rates rises to ratepayers appears to have been disregarded. This suggests a callous indifference by elected members and officials to the impact the proposed rise in rates of 7.2% will have on a community traumatised by inflation, Covid and an imposed homeless industry, most especially the elderly."
"The concerted secrecy will continue with the draft Annual Plan and its budget not being made available to elected members until just before their decision-making meeting on 5 April, and not shared with the public until 11 April when so-called ‘public consultation’ starts."
"The public consultation period of 11 April 2023 – 12 May 2023 is very likely to be regarded as symbolic or cynical consultation instead of authentic consultations that will result in real improvements and in fully informed public consent."
Response
We informed the reporter there was nothing from the council organisation on the views expressed.