Not valued (From Western Telegraph)

Not valued

12:29pm Wednesday 20th March 2013 in Letters

DAVID J. Lewis, of Lamphey, in his letter in a recent Western Telegraph wrote about community councils recognising issues to be addressed by the Welsh Assembly and Boundary Commission.

The question of purpose, value and effectiveness of some community councils has some validity. All too often they have little scrutiny as to their functions and responsibilities. Many are not seen as valued institutions and some are represented by people that have never had to undertake any campaign or election.

Historical importance was due to communication before the time of telephone and car and everything was done locally.

A case study of a small community council might indicate that often the precept (tax charge levied by the county council on behalf of the community council) goes on administration and only a very small amount on engagement or supporting their community.

Within the legislation that sets up the community councils as statutory bodies there are mechanisms allowing changes, they could amalgamate or indeed make arrangements to overcome some of the issues. I suspect many are too parochial and or have a mixed vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

The community councils should be working with their local county councillor to explore issues and as such, is the strength of a good community council, working in partnership with other organisations to explore and support opportunities.

CLLR OWEN JAMES

Ffynnon Druidion

Goodwick