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Who ultimately Decides?
Central Government - define waste policy
at a national level. The MP for Newhaven is Liberal Democrat Norman Baker and he has been
a long time supporter of our campaign.
County Councillors -
the councillors are elected representatives and decide issues on the basis of information
received from officers as well as taking account of public opinion. County
Councillors remain in office for four years and continue to serve all the
time people vote for them. They do not have to take account of their electors'
opinions but it is in their interests to do so. It is recognised that they
perform a vital function in representing local knowledge and opinion.
Particularly sensitive issues will present them with dilemmas. For example;
what is their party political line? Is the advice they receive from officers
realistic? Are the best solutions being proposed? What are the public's
concerns? Central government will take account of what local councils decide on
an issue if it can be shown that it is the best solution for an area; even if
the decision does not fall in line with current government policy.
The Cabinet is responsible for most day-to-day Council decisions.
Cllr Peter Jones is Leader of the County Council and Chairman of Cabinet.
Cllr Anthony Reid is Deputy Leader and Vice-Chairman of Cabinet.
Cllr Matthew Lock has responsibility for Transport and Environment.
You can view the contact details for these people.
Council Officers - The officers who work at the
council have a big influence on the outcome. Like most of us, they have a job to do and
hope to execute their responsibilities as best they can. The recommendations they make are largely
influenced by the policies of central government and not necessarily by
whether the decision is what is best for the area they cover. The process by
which officers discharge their duties can appear cumbersome and unwieldy.
This is because they are designed to allow the officer to act with minimal
interference. Arguably, this
is necessary because every decision a Council Officer makes has the
potential of being unpopular with somebody and they have jobs to do.
When something as important as a
proposed incinerator comes along, and where there is overwhelming evidence
that it will damage health and lead ultimately to the earlier deaths among the
communities within the fallout area, these devices cannot, morally, be
justified. The question of what is
easier for the council waste department must take second place to the
consequences on the surrounding area. The officer in with ultimate responsibility
for waste in East Sussex is Bob Wilkins.
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