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While Guisra is non-partisan, it doesn’t mean we are not willing to criticise politicians or political parties. In fact it is their lack of success that means assemblies like ours need to exist. We vote them in to administer a successful economy and a functioning society. It isn’t working.
It is a mockery when government drastically reduce council finance and then advance terms like “levelling up” to present funding as political party generosity for us to gratefully celebrate.
I am not criticising the Tories alone on this, although this government and the coalition before them have done much to pauperise our councils. We had a different government when at a meeting of town councillors in France I heard them mock the lack of power and money our town councils have. I have listened to the Dutch mock our decaying towns, asking me why we have so little pride in our country.
We will not all agree on what needs doing, but most of us will agree that something needs doing. So what can we do?
First we build our foundation. Let’s identify every issue in the town. Let’s document it. Let’s agree what we want done. Importantly, with our combined skills let’s identify the resolution. If need be, let’s withhold our vote from councillors that don’t support us or even hold council tax strikes until we are truly represented in the budgeting process.
We plan. We demand. We make it clear that “sorry we can’t afford it” or “don’t worry we will be rolling in funds tomorrow” is not an acceptable response.
This edition of the newsletter focuses on step one. Let’s identify every improvement we need in the town and build on the town portfolio. I have started it and members have added valuable additions. Let’s make it a comprehensive document. Find it here and you can your own items here.
The other very useful action you can take is to join Guisra. Membership is free and there is a voting process for each portfolio project. The more members we have, the more influence you have.
I hope you enjoy our September Newsletter.
All the best,
Michael Dakin
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