The Liberal Democrats Ask, "So What Next for Berkhamsted Town Council?"

So What Next for Berkhamsted Town Council?

Well, the Conservative councillor who put forward the motion of No Confidence on December 14th at the last Town Council Meeting - and who had to be rescued by Liberal Democrat Support - was partially vindicated.

Councillor Higgins tabled a second motion, asking that "a new Working Group should: review the current organisational structure and committee terms of reference, update standing orders and make recommendations to an emergency Full Council Meeting at the end of February". He found a ready supporter in veteran Liberal Democrat Councillor Garrick Stevens - far and away the most experienced member of Berkhamsted Town Council.

The Liberal Democrat position was that there was an obligation upon the Council to act as a corporate body and within its powers. This meant that there had to be an effective committee structure, clear terms of reference for committees and for any delegation of authority when appropriate. Members had to be kept informed, consulted and involved, within a framework that delivered both accountability and clarity of decision-making.

Councillor David Collins, the Leader of the Council, was unable to answer the criticism embodied in the motion and had to accept it. He was reduced to meekly proposing an amendment to give the council another 12 weeks until the Annual Council Meeting on 23rd May 2016 for this work to be carried out.

Cllr Collins was first elected to Berkhamsted Town Council in 2007 and has been the Council Leader for most of that time. It must have been uncomfortable indeed, when he realised that the motion was going to pass unchanged - apart from the extension of the time period. The best he could do then was to vote for it himself along with everyone else so that the resolution was recorded as unanimous.

Berkhamsted Town Council has been run by the same party and the same people for far too long.It needs the independent voice of the Liberal Democrats to hold the Conservatives to account and ensure a return to good order and good governance.