Dear Sir,
Liberal Democrat Town Councillor, Michael Stead (Woodham Ward), who is also standing for the County Council in May’s elections wants to consult on cutting councillor numbers from 30 to 23.
Cllr. Stead commented, “So many people are saying we do not need 30 town councillors. I totally agree with them. The National Association of Councils recommends that a town of our size should have around 23 councillors.”
Councillor Stead says this would save money and allow for a review of boundaries to make the council more democratic. After consulting with Durham County Council he has discovered that this is done through them and not the Boundary Commission, which had been suggested by others last week. In addition, he says, the council is undemocratic.
Michael explains, “Not only do we have too many councillors but in some areas there is one councillor per 500 residents whilst in another area it’s one councillor for nearly 900. This is completely undemocratic. By coincidence, I think it probably favours the Labour Party.”
Cllr Stead’s motion is being debated this week and would see a review to cut councillor numbers and reorganise town council wards so they are fair. Stead also sees this as one of many ways to cut costs at the Town Council.
Cllr Stead adds, “Every week I see another opportunity to do things more efficiently. More and more ways to save money. I’m seeing this, and so are residents. My campaign over the last 18 months has already seen our first Town Council tax freeze for what seems like forever. We now need to have passion for every penny and a war on waste. This will protect services and keep council tax down.”
“I am also still determined to end the injustice which sees us pay hundreds of pounds more council tax than residents in Crook, Consett and Chester-le-Street. Tackling this is essential. It seems that both the Tories and Labour are not interested in tackling the unfairness of double taxation, so it’s left to the rest of us to keep the pressure on.”
Cllr Michael Stead
