Edgware resident criticises Barnet Council's consultation timing
Philip Clayton calls the process an 'insult' as residents' views are sought after decisions are made.
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Barnet Council is being criticised for its approach to consulting residents on financial decisions. Edgware resident Philip Clayton has stated that the council is asking for public views on plans that will have already been considered by councillors.
Plans are due to be presented to the council on October 12th. A 'Question Time' event, intended to allow residents to express their views, is scheduled for October 26th. This timing means that decisions will likely have been made before the public consultation takes place.
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Resident calls process undemocratic
Philip Clayton, who lives in Edgware, believes this consultation method is not in keeping with democratic principles. He told the Barnet Post that the process is 'hardly democratic, or ‘open government’'.
Clayton elaborated on his concerns, stating, 'What’s the point? I think, to be blunt, that’s an insult.' He suggested that the timing of the public engagement offers no genuine opportunity for residents to influence decisions that will have already been determined by the council.
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Clayton's comments were made in response to an interview with Cllr Radford concerning the significant funding gap faced by Barnet Council. While expressing sympathy for the council's financial challenges, which he attributes to past public spending policies, Clayton focused his criticism on the consultation process itself.
Questions this report answers
+When is the Barnet Council 'Question Time' event?
The 'Question Time' event is scheduled for October 26th. This event is intended to allow residents to express their views on financial plans, although the plans will have already been presented to the council on October 12th.
+Why is Philip Clayton criticising the council's process?
Philip Clayton, an Edgware resident, believes the timing of the consultation is undemocratic. He stated that holding a public 'Question Time' after decisions have been presented to the council makes the process an 'insult' and offers no real opportunity for resident input.
+What financial issues is Barnet Council facing?
The article mentions that Barnet Council is facing a significant funding gap. Philip Clayton referenced an interview with Cllr Radford discussing these financial challenges, attributing the situation to past public spending policies.
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