[Politics] The Labour Government

[WATFORD zero]

This is good from the Labour Party.

Get rid of 20% of Civil Servants - nobody would notice the difference.

Starmer and Dominic Cummings now agree on one thing - the civil service is a problem

The government’s aims are bold, but they want to galvanise the civil servants who implement the government’s agenda.

www.bbc.co.uk

Would that be the same 20% we increased the civil service by as a result of Brexit

 

[WATFORD zero]

It would mean that you can only vote for a party (or grouping) to represent you rather than a person. One of the benefits of first past the post in our system is that anyone can stand, they don't have to be a member of a party (or grouping), it can be the person's individual choice to stand rather than having to be chosen by some other group of people (and therefore beholden to them rather than their electorate).

I understand why PR is attractive, but I do worry that it could actually end up being less representative as you lose that direct local connection.

It's a fair point, but I would be surprised if the number of voters who vote for an individual rather than a party is anything other than minimal, otherwise I would expect there to be far more independents in Parliament.

 

[Curious Orange]

It's a fair point, but I would be surprised if the number of voters who vote for an individual rather than a party is anything other than minimal, otherwise I would expect there to be far more independents in Parliament.

I sort of agree, in that I think by and large people vote along party lines because the don't have the motivation to do anything else. Specific local circumstances often do provide that motivation to vote independent though, and I'd be troubled to see that option lost.

 

[loz]

I sort of agree, in that I think by and large people vote along party lines because the don't have the motivation to do anything else. Specific local circumstances often do provide that motivation to vote independent though, and I'd be troubled to see that option lost.

I vote for my local Tory councillor as he works tirelessly for his constituents, when we moved in 8 years ago we got a welcome to your new home card and a visit, Xmas handwritten card every year and when my mum passed he came round to see if I was OK, he always responds to questions and tells you the right department to contact.
BTW He knows I am left of centre.

General election I vote Lib Dem’s as I always have.

 

[amexer]

does surprise me hasnt gone for your Amazons Starbuks etc

 

[portslade seagull]

does surprise me hasnt gone for your Amazons Starbuks etc

Any government in charge that should be nailed on

 

[Is it PotG?]

We get precisely what we deserve

 

[Is it PotG?]

 

[abc]

I think the transport secretary could have got away with 'the figures are not in my head nor do I have hem with me so to avoid getting this wrong I will get back to you'. However Raynor is just lying

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

This is very dangerous.

Yes - the planning process is too slow - but leaving decisions to Civil Servants, rather than elected Councillors.....

Planning reforms will end development chaos, says Angela Rayner

Officials will be able to rubberstamp development plans without local authority permission under the changes.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Guinness Boy]

This is very dangerous.

Yes - the planning process is too slow - but leaving decisions to Civil Servants, rather than elected Councillors.....

Planning reforms will end development chaos, says Angela Rayner

Officials will be able to rubberstamp development plans without local authority permission under the changes.

www.bbc.co.uk

Like the people on LDC?

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Like the people on LDC?

Yes.

Like it or not they were elected.

 

[Guinness Boy]

Yes.

Like it or not they were elected.

They were also overruled by national government because there was a greater good involved.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

They were also overruled by national government because there was a greater good involved.

Correct - I'm very well aware of the planning process.

My issue, is that elected District Councillors will be bypassed on planning matters - with elected planning Comittees being sidelined and decisions being made by planners who have no little or no knowledge of the local areas.

 

[Curious Orange]

This seems to be the most important point in the BBC article at @Mellor 3 Ward 4 linked:

...as long as they comply with locally agreed plans and national regulations on standards.

 

[Boys 9d]

What sort of unelected planners recommended that Prescott approve the Amex Stadium?

 

[fly high]

What sort of unelected planners recommended that Prescott approve the Amex Stadium?

Thought he overruled them and approved himself.

 

[Boys 9d]

Thought he overruled them and approved himself.

That being so, it means every planning decision will be decided by Angela Rayner regardless of anyone else thinks?

 

[Is it PotG?]

That being so, it means every planning decision will be decided by Angela Rayner regardless of anyone else thinks?

That's not worrying at all, is it?

 

[Weststander]

That being so, it means every planning decision will be decided by Angela Rayner regardless of anyone else thinks?

By the planning officers in each planning authority, where the application fits in with the existing neighbourhood plan signed off by the elected council.