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Changes To Public Questions Pushed Through

By Thu, 17 May 2012 11:06AM

People attending Isle of Wight Council meetings will no longer be able to ask impromptu questions.

Ruling Conservatives have voted through new rules which mean that people will have to register at County Hall reception between half an hour and ten minutes before the meeting begins if they want to ask an oral question.

People wishing to ask a question will now have to provide their name and address, contact details and the topic of the question.

Opposition councillors have branded the new rules as undemocratic.

Speaking on Isle of Wight Radio Council leader, Cllr David Pugh said he believed the changes would not deter the public from asking questions.

Click above to listen to Council leader, Cllr David Pugh.

Luisa Francesca Hillard This does not seem to support the democratic process. In particular it doesn't support the idea that Councillors WORK FOR US and must represent OUR views. Since when did the electorate become such an irritating burden that active, spontaneous debate could be dismissed?
8 minutes ago ·  ·  1
  • Luisa Francesca Hillard 
  • Never have I known a Council to have such a low rating - i.e. that they have been assessed as being merely 'adequate' by just about meeting the minimum standards. Never have I known a Council to be so heavily criticised but with no consequences, despite a call for resignations, despite alleged ineptitude and/or corruption over wasteful spending of OUR money. Never have I known a Council to act in a way which could be perceived as dictatorial or tyrannical regarding their disdain of us peasants. 

To be clear, not all councillors are bad - many are good - but their voices get shouted down by the ruling elite. The past year has made it clear that the current system is not fit for purpose and I forsee BIG changes in May's election. Southampton has already switched to Labour, the Island may follow although I think that political parties have too much influence over each Councillor's vote - they end up toeing the Party line, rather than acting in the best interests of their constituents.
5 minutes ago · 

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