Contrasts

I went to the North Area committee last week.

The council has three area committees. They comprise all the councillors in each of the areas and meet monthly. They have no major decision making powers – although they look after the allocation of the small grant schemes such as the Community chest (link). But they provide a forum for the public and organisations like parish or town councils to raise things in public directly with councillors either by questions or through petitions. It’s one of the few places where this sort of interaction can take place and where the public can encourage, or embarrass councillors and the council into doing things.

A lot of the issues raised seem to stem from frustration about a lack of communication, simply the fact that an email or a phone call isn’t answered which leads to uncertainty about whether a problem is being addressed or, if not, whether there’s a good reason for delay or no action.

About half the (relatively few) things that have been raised with me so far have been resolved quickly and easily; unfortunately the other half have taken time simply because people don’t respond without being chased. I understand the pressures front line staff are under but life for all concerned is so much easier when people respond quickly. This is a cultural issue senior management are well aware of; it’s up to us as councillors to continually press for a prompt reply. It’s only polite, and most people are happy to wait for a solution once they know someone is taking them seriously – or even to accept something can’t be done if they are told why.

The issues raised at the area committee were obviously important to those people. But they were an interesting contrast to the excellent induction presentation the previous week from the Children’s Services team. Youth unemployment, addictions, teenage pregnancy, under-performing schools are serious. The team seemed to be motivated and committed and has produced overall award winning standards of service across the county.