Dodgy Town Councils and how to recognise them.

Many people have contacted Muck&Brass over the last two years with reports of similar situations to those that existed in Somerton before 27th October 2009. Many of the characteristics that were observable here in Somerton are common to other Town & Parish Councils and its reasonable to conclude that those characteristics can be indicative of a Council's probity. How does your Parish or Town Council measure up?

Age - the higher the average age, the less likely are councillors to be in touch with current concerns and contemporary themes. Whilst age, in some cases, brings wisdom, it often brings entrenched views, inflexibility and vested interest. The older the councillors, the more likely they are to have business or professional interests which may be affected by Council decisions.

Occupation or profession - Anyone involved with contracting, property or development, directly or through family, must be viewed with caution. Such individuals are the most likely to experience 'conflicts of interest' or have fiduciary interests likely to be affected by Council decisions.

Attitude - Is your council transparent in its activities or is it secretive? If secretive, then assume the worst and take immediate action.

Declaration of members interests - All councillors must make a declaration of interests ie personal or professional involvements which could be influential in or influenced by their decision making. A council where there are no 'declarations of interest' is probably too good to be true.

Conduct of meetings - Is the public excluded from expressing views? Is there bullying or aggressive behaviour by Councillors? Is the council dominated by a small number of viewpoints? If you answer 'Yes' to any of these then you have 'Somerton Syndrome' and you need to take immediate action.

An ideal council should:
Display a balance of ages and gender in its makeup.
The business of the council should be transparent.
The council should welcome the involvement of the wider community.
The council should consult with the community with regard to its activities and expenditure.

Your Council is YOUR Council, not theirs. Councillors may be volunteers but that doesn't mean that we must sit back whilst they steal the silver. Have a look at Peter Finch in 'Network' and open those windows!