My open email and letter to Cllr David Worden about the use of North Devon Council time.
Dear Cllr Worden
Re: Carers Allowance
I see in the upcoming Full Council Meeting yet another national issue is being discussed that is nothing to do with North Devon Council.
This time, a motion that has been pre-prepared by the Liberal Democrats in line with their current national campaign ahead of the May elections.
As you will be aware, Carers Allowance, as with all legacy benefits, was increased by 1.7% this financial year and will be uprated by a further 0.5% from April in line with CPI. This was put through the House of Commons without division, Liberal Democrat MPs had no problem with this uplift at the time.
If individual councillors or members of the public wish to lobby or speak to me about issues, they are more than welcome to do so. I again invite you to actually engage with me as well.
I do feel the need to highlight that using valuable council time for these matters, does not aid or assist the communities we are all elected to represent. All it achieves, is to allow, you, and some of your colleagues to make a party political campaigning point ahead of elections.
I am sure most residents of North Devon would far prefer the council to use the time allowed at full council meetings to discuss and address matters that the council can make a difference with.
I enclose the letter is sent to you last month about a similar use of council time on national issues.
I do hope that we will see, in the future, more council time being spent on important local matters.
Selaine Saxby MP
