Do you think the processes for managing any issues of Community Council compliance, as set out under Section 15 of the Scheme, are clear and fair? (see Scheme page 27)
As a CC we have never had any complaints or compliance issues and have never went through the process, so I can't comment on whether it is fair however from reading the scheme it does seem like it could be simplified to give the TC staff that we work with more time to work on helping the development of CCs rather than the drawn-out process of dealing with compliance issues.
The current approach to compliance significantly compromises the autonomy of Community Councils. Rather than supporting their role as independent, democratically-elected bodies, the Scheme establishes a mechanism by which the Council can override local decisions and supplant democracy. This dynamic is at odds with the intended legal standing of Community Councils, and remains questionable in intent and authority.
The expectation that three volunteer members of a Community Council can make decisions of a quasi-judicial nature raises serious concerns. Such arrangements lack the procedural safeguards and legal expertise required for legitimate decisions.
Altogether, the process has resulted in a substantial and regrettable expenditure of time and public resources; efforts that appear to serve unclear or questionable objectives.
As a CC we have never had any complaints or compliance issues and have never went through the process, so I can't comment on whether it is fair however from reading the scheme it does seem like it could be simplified to give the TC staff that we work with more time to work on helping the development of CCs rather than the drawn-out process of dealing with compliance issues.
The current approach to compliance significantly compromises the autonomy of Community Councils. Rather than supporting their role as independent, democratically-elected bodies, the Scheme establishes a mechanism by which the Council can override local decisions and supplant democracy. This dynamic is at odds with the intended legal standing of Community Councils, and remains questionable in intent and authority.
The expectation that three volunteer members of a Community Council can make decisions of a quasi-judicial nature raises serious concerns. Such arrangements lack the procedural safeguards and legal expertise required for legitimate decisions.
Altogether, the process has resulted in a substantial and regrettable expenditure of time and public resources; efforts that appear to serve unclear or questionable objectives.
Very interesting topic - requires much discussion.
I have not gone through the process so I can't really have an informed opinion on this no matter what I read.
Really?
You doubt my answer? Why? Maybe I have misunderstood the question...
The process appears to escalate very quickly without any opportunities for arbitration and discussion at CC level.