In Corby our political system has thrown up a large majority
for one political party.
However, when that political entity decides to act contrary to the needs
of the people even they are liable to criticism
So, how do you control the situation?
You 'give favours' get 'your own people on board' make people 'an offer
they can't refuse'.
FORTAC: this acronym stands for Federation of Residents and Tenants Associations
in Corby.
The Fiction:
FORTAC act to put forward the views and needs of the people living in
Corby.
The Facts:
FORTAC
NEVER questioned the savage budget cuts in March 2002.
FORTAC are mostly members of the ruling political party.
FORTAC had a 3000% increase in funding prior to the cuts.
FORTAC act, not on residents behalf, but on behalf of the ruling party.
FORTAC are agents of the council on housing matters (as minuted in council
documentation)
FORTAC received £10,000 to pay for 'consultation' on housing matters.
FORTAC are co-opted members on council committees.
............and what now?
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EXTRACT
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2003
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being debated in Parliament - January 2003
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113 Overview and scrutiny committees: voting rights of co-opted members
In Schedule 1 to the Local Government Act 2000 (c. 22) (further provision
about executive arrangements), after paragraph 11 there is inserted—
"Overview and scrutiny committees: voting rights of co-opted members
12 (1) A local authority in England may permit a co-opted member of
an overview and scrutiny committee of the authority to vote at meetings of
the committee.
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The council MUST show political balance on committees, etc. BY LAW
NOW we may have a situation whereby co-opted members of Overview
and Scrutiny Committees (i.e. UN-ELECTED by us) have the same voting rights
as elected councillors.
These committees are the
FINAL safeguard against monopoly power
by one political party.
Now, the ruling group can simple place their assimilated clones on these
'safeguard' committees
and they can vote.
Not content with a majority - they want complete control
Oh, and by the way,
there is no apparent provision in the
Local Government Act 2003 for co-opted (FORTAC) members to
declare interests.
Check out the Corby Council Website at
http://www.corby.gov.uk
click on 'council information'
click on 'members interests.pdf'
Today, 14th January 2003,
you will see listed the interests of:
All the Councillors (yes, they have got some of it wrong)
The Chair of the Standards Board
EVEN the 'independent' Standards Board member
Ask the question:
WHERE ARE THE CO-OPTED COMMITTEE MEMBERS INTERESTS LISTED?
Answer: THEY ARE NOT THERE........................... WHY
NOT?
............................and do these co-opted members get paid expenses
for attending meetings?
............................if so by whom?
............................why are they not listed in CBC accounts?
............................Do FORTAC pay them?
............................Why don't FORTAC publish their accounts?
