- Cymraeg
- English
|
|
Rhondda Cynon Taff Welsh Liberal DemocratsWelsh Liberal Democrats in Pontypridd, Rhondda and the Cynon Valley |
Labour Councillors Stifle Democracy
May 16, 2009 12:15 AM
The Labour administration in RCT will this week approve a proposal which will severely limit the number of motions opposition Councillors will be able to bring forward for debate by the full Council.
Cllr Mike Powell, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrat Alliance group says this is nothing more than an attempt to stifle democracy still further
"Until now there has been no limit on the number of motions that Members can bring forward. However, it seems that there is now to be a strict limit imposed which means that we will only be able to submit two motions a year for discussion.
There can be only one reason for this - the Labour Party's total disregard for the democratic process. They have been embarrassed in recent months by motions regarding expenses, and by issues such as the renaming of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen."
Recent motions brought forward by Cllr Powell and opposition colleagues include a suggestion that Councillors did not take a pay rise this year given the current economic climate and cutbacks being made in services.
Another opposed the introduction of car parking charges in Council owned car parks across RCT. Criticism from the opposition and in the press have lead to angry outbursts in the Chamber, with threats and insults being thrown by the Labour leader and leading Cabinet Members.
"It seems they are not prepared to discuss any issues unless they have brought them to the table" added Cllr Powell
"It is an absolute disgrace, and will do them no favours in the eyes of the public who will I hope see this for what it is, a cynical attempt to keep their iron grip on the Authority.
Of course it also means meetings will be shorter, so they won't have to waste quite so much of their obviously precious time doing what they are paid for."
ENDS
NOTES: http://www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/stellent/groups/Public/documents/Reports/024884.pdf
***
What would you like to do next?
-
Subscribe for updates
Follow the party's activity on...
- Twitter:
- RCT Welsh Lib Dems
- Facebook:
- Liberal Democrats
- YouTube:
- Liberal Democrats