Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet is a "threat to democracy" (From Western Telegraph)

Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet is a "threat to democracy"

8:50am Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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DEAR EDITOR

R. J. Lewis was right to criticise the threat to democracy by the introduction of the cabinet system in Pembrokeshire County Council (Western Telegraph, June 17th.

It effectively makes it very difficult for local councillors to be held to account by voters and allows a powerful clique to implement decisions with very little discussion. The Independent group on Pembrokeshire county council organises itself like a political party but voters do not know its agenda.

Expense allowances for councillors are now far too generous. Councillors should be reimbursed for any loss of earnings if they have to attend meetings but this should simply pay them the hourly rate they would receive if they were at work.

If anyone objects they can stand down. There will be plenty of others happy to do the job on this basis.

Chris Duthie
Ashbrook Cottage,
6 Lower Thornton,
Milford Haven.