Full Council Webcast

[Liam]

@Rob 15356 wrote:

Already had an email in about it – and spotted possibly the same Dylan that is on here as on twitter mentioning the vote change, with one being:

Leader 34 for, no against, 11 abstentions
Deputy Leader 36 for, no against, 11 abstentions

One has to be wrong…!

Think it must be the first that’s wrong. Every other ‘contentious’ vote that followed went 36 in favour and 11 abstentions.

[99DylanJones]

Liam- those watching on line actually didn’t have the chance to know the additional vcite results as they were always declared majority in favour.
Regarding reduced numbers of Councilors — Williams suggested a reduction of between 50 – 60 across Wrexham and Flintshire if the merger went through– as earlier post said Turkeys don’t vote for Christmas- why would they vote to possibly loose their positions

[JaneJ]

Did anyone pick up on the snippet about Councilors ‘pensions’ not being part of the scheme being discussed. Did anyone know that they had a pension entitlement?
Interesting Councilors say they are not employed so dont get a salery but only an allowance — then we hear that they are also entitled to a Pension!

[jimbow]

@JaneJ 15360 wrote:

Did anyone pick up on the snippet about Councilors ‘pensions’ not being part of the scheme being discussed. Did anyone know that they had a pension entitlement?
Interesting Councilors say they are not employed so dont get a salery but only an allowance — then we hear that they are also entitled to a Pension!

I have heard of this before.Imagine being a retired Council employee on a pension,then becoming a Councillor and receiving another pension.

[Katia]

Worthwhile viewing and good to be able to do so.
Well done for that.
Surprisingly came away with a higher opinion of some than previously but others not so much.
Some good points raised here already.

One small point struck me whilst ( I think it was ) David Kelly was putting forward the notion that post merger a bigger authority could result in less local representation for Wrexham people.
Looking at a lot of the posts on here recently and in local printed media he may find few feel they are presently listened to very seriously and would choose to forego their local champion in favour of substantial cost savings and/or money to spend on local services.
*cough Plas Madoc Leisure Centre*

{Not singling out Mr Kelly on any issue, but what local representation?}

[wxm]

Some key questions are what does all this achieve, and what does it cost.

Key issues for a council meeting should be scrutiny of its activities and the management of its budget and strategies. The activities were clearly raised, but there was little if no challenge, debate and scrutiny. With 50 councillors, it would be good to hear a lot more speak, and stand up for issues?

Councillors pay is about £1,000,000 a year, democratic services are £3m a year, and then the cost for buildings and overheads, and then for as many councillors involved in a topic there seems to be as many or more paid officers. Is this the right way to go about business, and the right thing to spend money on?

[wrexview]

When will these “Task Groups” be webcast ? It appears real decisions are taken in those meetings.

[99DylanJones]

Full agree with Katia – were was the debate last night – perhaps Councils need to be reminded what their role is as shown in their own constitution. The are supposed t represent the interests of their Ward, individuals and organisations. How many have taken the trouble to ask their electorate what their views are- If they were contracted to fulfill this role they would be sacked for not meeting the Job Description as there is so little evidence https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/assets/pdfs/key_docs/constitution_2014.pdf

Representing and supporting communities
To represent ward interests
To be an advocate for the Council in the ward and communities they serve
To be a channel of communication to the community on council strategies, policies, services and procedures
To represent individual constituents and local organisations, undertaking casework on their behalf and serving all fairly and equally
To liaise with executive members, other council members, council officers and partner organisations to ensure that the needs of the local communities are identified, understood and considered
To promote tolerance and cohesion in local communities
Making decisions and overseeing council performance
To participate in Full Council meetings, reaching and making informed and balanced decisions, and overseeing performance
To participate in informed and balanced decision making on committees and panels to which they might be appointed
To adhere to the principles of democracy and collective responsibility in decision making

[johnhoppy]

I watched most of the meeting last night (until the football came on :) ) and there was complete lack of debate on any subject. Decisions had obviously been made previously along party lines. I have seen more debate and democracy at the Darts league AGM. Once the ruling group has been decided you may as well send the rest of the councillors home to avoid paying attendance allowances.

[jimbow]

@johnhoppy 15373 wrote:

I watched most of the meeting last night (until the football came on :) ) and there was complete lack of debate on any subject. Decisions had obviously been made previously along party lines. I have seen more debate and democracy at the Darts league AGM. Once the ruling group has been decided you may as well send the rest of the councillors home to avoid paying attendance allowances.

Totally agree (but I did not watch the football).:):):)

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