2013-12-20 01:56:00 +0000
To: Herefordshire County Council
Hereford Visions
Restoration of real democracy to Herefordshire, where 'secretive' governance is finally outlawed and a real, open discussion with the people is conducted about the future direction of this agricultural county.
A full council that will instead treat the electorate like intelligent grown-ups, and actively encourage people to become county and parish councillors. To include training when they get there so that they feel supported and able to do a good job and be leaders in their local communities. The times of council meetings should be adjusted to make it easier for working people to function effectively as councillors and also to enable members of the public to attend meetings.
An end to 'cabinet' governance, secret meetings, and self interest projects that fail to benefit the citizens. A halt to destructive plans in the core strategy being put forward at present which include paving grade 1 farmland to the west of Hereford for a (non) relief road, that includes plans to add at least 1600 new vehicles to the traffic problems (via new homes applied for).
Restoration of a governance system which brings the best qualified members of the council together to head up the policy areas - whichever party they represent.
Proper performance management of staff, that the responsibilities of individuals, targets and pay are linked to the delivery of policies ... which will have been properly consulted upon and communicated clearly to all.
It should be ensured that all policies are backed up and supported by verifiable evidence from independent sources and not be compromised to advance the interests of big business at the expense of local needs.
A full council that will instead treat the electorate like intelligent grown-ups, and actively encourage people to become county and parish councillors. To include training when they get there so that they feel supported and able to do a good job and be leaders in their local communities. The times of council meetings should be adjusted to make it easier for working people to function effectively as councillors and also to enable members of the public to attend meetings.
An end to 'cabinet' governance, secret meetings, and self interest projects that fail to benefit the citizens. A halt to destructive plans in the core strategy being put forward at present which include paving grade 1 farmland to the west of Hereford for a (non) relief road, that includes plans to add at least 1600 new vehicles to the traffic problems (via new homes applied for).
Restoration of a governance system which brings the best qualified members of the council together to head up the policy areas - whichever party they represent.
Proper performance management of staff, that the responsibilities of individuals, targets and pay are linked to the delivery of policies ... which will have been properly consulted upon and communicated clearly to all.
It should be ensured that all policies are backed up and supported by verifiable evidence from independent sources and not be compromised to advance the interests of big business at the expense of local needs.
Why is this important?
Too many destructive decisions have been taken behind closed doors resulting in a budget deficit largely created by (at best) mismanangement, and the resulting closure or reduction in all the services the citizens value.
The recent campaigns to Save The Edgar Street Trees, Libraries & Museums, Customer Services, social and health care, and other current campaigns we have also supported in the last year, have highlighted the items that the public consider most important to their society and the unholy debacle caused by a small cabal of councillors refusing to listen has resulted in a huge amount of anger and frustration.
This campaign continues .... so please keep signing and sharing.
The recent campaigns to Save The Edgar Street Trees, Libraries & Museums, Customer Services, social and health care, and other current campaigns we have also supported in the last year, have highlighted the items that the public consider most important to their society and the unholy debacle caused by a small cabal of councillors refusing to listen has resulted in a huge amount of anger and frustration.
This campaign continues .... so please keep signing and sharing.
How it will be delivered
This depends on too many outcomes as to the practicality ... most likely email, but all options are on the table at present.
