Asked by Cllrs Bull and Fear whether Bournemouth residents would be given the chance to vote on the proposed council merger, Leader of the Council, Cllr John Beesley replied with a resounding No.
The reasons he gave were that it would cost too much, wording the question would be difficult and that there is not enough time. Apparently the council must submit their proposal to the government by early summer 2016.
Cllr Bull later commented, “A referendum is fair. It means that people can make an informed decision. It is the council’s responsibility to inform its residents of any changes that may affect them, not to rush through the government’s agenda for super councils.”
He went on to say that the suggested £1 million cost could be reduced by holding it at the same time as next years’ election for Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and that if required, the Electoral Commission could help with wording the question.
After the May elections, Cllr Beesley said he expected ‘more intense scrutiny’ from his backbenchers1but it is clearly left to councillors in opposition to provide this, of which there are only three: The Green Party’s Cllr Bull, UKIPs Cllr Fear and Independent, Cllr Rey.
In response to Cllr Beesley’s refusal to hold a referendum a petition has now been set up on 38 degrees2. It asks all of the council leaders involved in the proposed merger to respect the democratic process and give the people of South East Dorset the opportunity to have their say. Residents across the county can also write to their local councillors with their concerns.
By holding a referendum, councils and their elected councillors will be forced to make clear how a new super council will affect individuals, businesses and public services, and not make decisions behind closed doors.
The South East Dorset Green Party
Ref:
1. Echo article
