THE IMPORTANCE OF POTHOLES

Never under-estimate the importance of potholes. In my role as the Conservative Group Leader for South Somerset, I recently attended a Local Government Association leadership training course on Effective Opposition.

Twelve other councillors were present, from across the country and from a range of political parties, including, pleasingly, a number of Green Party councillors.

In addition to sessions on our personality types and how this can impact on our relationships with others, we discussed decision making and influencing skills and considered at some length the tricky relationship between elected members and officers.

It would seem that no matter what the political flavour of the ruling party the challenges and frustrations are pretty much the same.

One key issue that was raised is disappointment at the quality of reports produced at meetings where important decisions are taken. They are often lengthy, do not cut to the chase and use language not readily understood by everyone. This is an issue I have frequently raised myself.

It is also generally felt that, contrary to popular public belief, local authorities are not run by councillors but by the officers. Widespread opinion is that this is a bit like the tail wagging the dog. 

Not necessarily a view that I share, but I do understand the frustrations. Officers have often been in the role for sometime (a mixed blessing), and tend to specialise in one area of operation. This can be a bonus, particularly for inexperienced councillors, but can lead to accusations of hoodwinking.

Being a councillor is like being piggy in the middle; people come to you with their problems, and expect you to resolve them (very often by yesterday), and invariably this involves officer input which is not always as forthcoming or as timely as one might want.

Given the severe cuts to local authority funding in recent years, along with the disruption caused by ‘transformation’ in some authorities, it is understandable that officers are under pressure, but it is also increasingly difficult to make direct contact with them on a regular basis. There is no easy answer but on a personal level I am not a fan of the rapid move towards digital communication as there is the real danger that this can leave our most vulnerable residents disenfranchised.

Any dissatisfaction is often down to a lack of trust. In order for any council to operate effectively there has to be mutual trust between officers, elected members, and the general public. We do after all, or at least we should, have the same goals; to do the best we can for our local communities, who are after all, as taxpayers, footing the bill.

On a final note, one of the interesting pieces of information that came out of our discussions is that despite serious concerns over such issues as Adult Social Services, Child Protection and Health Care, what really matters to people on a daily basis is….. potholes!

Sir Humphrey, ‘Yes, Minister’ - The public doesn't know anything about wasting government money. We are the experts.