Withering on the vine (Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats)

Barnet Borough Liberal Democrats <info@barnetlibdems.org.uk>

Withering on the vine

September 7, 2009 8:39 PM
By Cllr Jack Cohen in Hendon Times

The agenda for one of next week's Council Committee meetings has a bit on "priority improvement objectives" whatever that means. But, one of the "objectives" is "converse with local people to increase their participation in democratic management."

Well, I suggest the administration start to take a look at the Residents' Area Forums and in particular the Finchley and Golders Green Forum. The Residents' Forums were set up years ago, not as it is thought by the Liberal Democrat /Labour Administration but by the Conservatives.

Yes that's correct. However there was a fatal flaw, they were held in private, and by invitation only!

What the Liberal Democrat /Labour Administration did was to open the Forums open to the public. "Just turn up and let us know your concerns were the order of the day". I recall over two hundred turning up to a meeting at North Finchley Library.

And, in those days the Forums were really local not Constituency wide as they are today. I am not sure where the current Conservative administration stands on the Forums. On the evidence of recent Finchley and Golders Green Forums, they would appear happy to let them wither on the vine.

Take last the Finchley and Golders Green Forum last week. It started at 6.30pm and had wound up by 6.55pm. At 6.30 I counted more officers and Councillors than members of the public.

One resident wanted to know why Barnet was not participating this year's London Wide "open house weekend". Apparently it is because of budgetary constraints. The cost would have been £3,800. Who says the Council does not look after your money. Barnet is the only North London Borough not participating.

Another question, surprise surprise, was about the "no frills" Council proposals. A resident wanted more information. Answer came there none. One wit was heard to say that you have to pay extra for an answer.

Another question concerned the Council's deposits in the Icelandic Banks, answer came there none again. Well almost, in fact the lone Conservative Councillor seated in the body of the hall attempted to provide an explanation. But as he is not a Cabinet Member his response carried little weight.

The Vice Chair did not turn up again and noticeably neither did many senior Conservatives (again). I am sure they are all busy people and have other commitments.

The Residents from Railway Terraces did turn up again. They told me afterwards they are determined not to let the Council shut down the Forums and will be send representatives to all future Forums.

On Tuesday I am putting a proposal to full Council. This will seek to have Council Meetings videoed and broadcast live on the internet. Watch this space!

Meanwhile more news on the no frills airlines front, Sky Europe has just gone out of business and Easy Jet is slashing flights out of Luton leaving passengers not knowing if their flight will actually leave.