Comment

Representation ID: 19729

Received: 02/03/2009

Respondent: Messrs. Chishick, Commotto and Terry

Partnership
The document talks of a partnership in place-shaping. However, it assumes that small local communities have the capacity and inclination to be effective partners. Yet, there is much evidence that local democracy and civic life is not in the best of health in many villages. There are exceptions, but problems are evident in most parishes in the large numbers of co-opted councillors, infrequent elections, a skewed demography, and low attendance at meetings. As recent White Papers make clear, central government sees an urgent the need to reinvigorate political and civic engagement. There is also the problem that most parishes do not feel connected to Rother in any meaningful way and that consultations do not generally work. Part of the process of constructing the LDF should therefore include a review of local political structures and processes. The District Council has a Corporate Plan, which sets out its contribution to achieving the Community Strategy. What about the other partners, particularly parish councils? Is the district council genuine about partnerships?