Thursday, August 26, 2010

Number of MPs, what about the others?

Central government is considering reducing the number of MPs from 650 to 600 (that is still to many!) but what about the other elected representatives. Our county, Cambridgeshire, has 69 county councillors and then the District Council, Huntingdonshire, in addition has another 52 and then our town council has a further 16.

Just how many people do we need to represent us? Quantity has never produced quality!

A county should have no more than 20 and a district or borough no more than 10 or perhaps 12 and the town/parish no more than 6 or perhaps 8. In preference, the later two councils should each be replaced by one elected mayor. The amount of money we would save in expenses, office space and administration staff would be enormous, decisions would take half the time and also reduce one of the global warming hot air sources.

A cap on Parish Councils

A little bird informs me that the government is considering introducing a cap on the precept of parish councils. This means that for the first time since parish councils were introduced they will not be able to just increase the amount they add onto our Council Taxes to pay their bills.

Perhaps someone has read my previous blog?