IT APPEARS that on November 6, 2008, Hillingdon Council, in full session, voted on a section of national legislation on how local government was to be conducted. There were two choices offered, the first being to maintain the current structure - leader and cabinet - but with the leader restricted to a maximum of four years in office.
The second was to have an election across the borough to choose a mayor who would then choose up to a maximum of 10 cabinet members to run the council.
Provisions in the Local Government Act 2000 required councils in England and Wales to hold binding referendums if, following consultation, local people indicated that they wanted to directly elect a mayor under the new executive arrangements.
Councils may choose to hold a referendum, but local residents can also force a referendum with a petition signed by at least five per cent of registered voters in the area.
Although the Government has powers to direct a local authority to hold a referendum in certain circumstances, in June 2002 it announced that it would not intervene in cases where it did not agree with the judgment made by a council following consultation.
I am organising a petition to force a local referendum to give us the choice as offered in our national laws.
Should you wish to support our campaign to open our council to much more scrutiny than is the case at present, please email me at dave.politics@blueyonder.co.uk and I will forward copies of the petition blanks.
Our council listens very closely to the expressed wishes of the residents of the borough. Indeed, Mr Puddifoot himself has told us this a great many times.
Let us see what happens this time. You may also be interested to know that in these times of uncertainty over economic growth, job losses, contract renegotiations and other behind-the-scenes activities at the council, they are looking into some way of recognising contributions, by individuals, to the communty.
These may be civic pride lapel pins or a certificate, but one thing is certain: it will cost money.
As Councillor Douglas Mills informed me, the administration is wholely committed to the scheme, yet I haven't spoken to a councillor that knows about it.
So 'administration' must mean Douglas Mills and Raymond Puddifoot, since they are the only names mentioned so far.
As a Street Champion, I do not carry out the responsibilities for a reward; I do it because I want my neighbourhood to look as well as it can.
Please don't let another democratic right disappear. Stand against these people who want to stay in power as long as possible.
There is a deadline of October 15, and it would be better either to sign a petion, or write, on paper, and post it to the council.
It seems there is a variable policy on whether emails count at hearings, which basically divides down to: 'accept if in favour, disregard if against'.
DAVID MUNROE
Brickett Close
Ruislip
