Dear Sir,
Durham County Council (DCC) has 126 Councillors now, but used to have just 67 prior to 2009. Those 67 got paid an allowance of £5,000 per year, now the 126 get paid £13,300. Perhaps the Lib Dems who control DCC may wish to suggest cutting the number of Durham County Councillors to save money, to quote the Lib Dems, “Cutting the number of councillors would save money to help keep down council tax.”
Great Aycliffe has a population which is 7,000 larger than say Peterlee, Seaham or Spennymoor and the number of Councillors is fixed by the Boundary Commission, I certainly agree that we can manage with a few less councillors. Especially those who stood for election but were told they would not have to not attend meetings, and who don’t want to attend meetings. A governance review would be in order. The Lib Dems put two people forward at the last elections, (one in my ward against myself and Ken Robson), who don’t even live in Great Aycliffe, nor do they pay any Council Tax in Great Aycliffe.
Why?
Cutting the number of councillors would be an excellent idea in principle and ensure that there was a contest in every ward, thus giving voters a real choice.
Fact: Durham County Council Cabinet on 8th December, chaired by the Lib Dem Leader of DCC, discussed raising Council Tax by 3%, this will be confirmed or not at a final meeting on 23rd February.
Cllr. Arun M Chandran
Chairman, Policy & Resources Committee
Great Aycliffe Town Council