Does democracy exist in West Devon?
I wonder, on August 7 I wrote to WDBC querying the drop in discretionary rate relief for my village hall from 20% to 10%.
Thus incurring a charge of almost £100 a year against the hall.
Apparently this has happened to most, if not all village halls in West Devon.
I asked two simply questions, first to see the minutes of the meeting at which these charges were set. Secondly to be given the names of the Borough Councillors who made this decision.
Seemingly straightforward requests in these days of 'open government'.
But according to the borough treasurer 'minutes are not taken of these meetings'. Can this be true I ask myself? If so, how can I be assured that the charges levied are not the figment of someones imagination? As for knowing which elected representatives made this decision, alas, no.
It would appear that the council has to be consulted as to its policy on releasing such information. Despite a number of requests to WDBC no information has yet been forthcoming.
Never mind, its only six weeks since I first wrote to the council. With about 100 days to Christmas, perhaps I should write to Santa, he might be quicker answering, you never know.
Jim Goodwin
Penbrook
South Zeal