During the last eight months or so, I have been part of the Councillors’ Commission, whose recommendations will be news elsewhere in The MJ.
The report has, predictably, met with criticism, some of it from those who are fairly happy with the way things are – where councillors are 71% male and much much older and whiter than the rest of the population.
One spokesperson in Parliament decried the modest – two weeks’ allowances for each year served – redundancy package to soften the blow to executive members who lose their seats as leading to millions of pounds in increased costs.
I do hope he will not take the rather more generous package provided to parliamentarians if he loses an election.
Now, in all seriousness, of course, those against the measures we proposed to improve turnover and at least get more throughput of people to serve, bring more diverse life experiences, and encourage those who are more ‘normal’ to be able to get involved, can show exactly what they would do instead.
We reviewed hundreds of submissions, pages of evidence, and argued passionately and good naturedly. As Dame Jane Roberts says, there is no ‘magic bullet’. If there was, we might have taken it. But, there are many people in local government who are happy with the status quo – especially long-standing councillors themselves – the very people who have made it work for them. Our proposals will obviously annoy those who want a job for life as councillors, but our view was that, having a four-year break, every 20 years, wasn’t too much to ask.
I hope the commission’s report provokes some reflection – and, for those who are opposed to suggestions such as the introduction of all-out elections everywhere, a simple request – produce the evidence that your proposals work better, in terms of invigorating local democracy.
Staying Safe in Local Elections: Challenges and support for candidates
With local elections nearing, rising abuse fears are deterring candidates - this analysis explores risks, definitions, and new guidance to support safer campaigning.
