Historical Factoids 21:

[Mal]

Local Area Councils (LACs)

Had our LAC last night and I raised questions about Fix My Street, the impending NCC budget and what exactly are the “‘innovative solutions for library facilities in Bedlington?” 

Back in 2016 when the current administration took over at NCC they decided they wanted LAC meetings instead of the old Area Meetings. 

The old Area meetings were held once a month at different venues with the North, West and South/East each having their own version. 

We were in with Ashington, Blyth Cramlington etc. and I recall even going to Lynmouth a few times for meetings.  As a member of the public I attended just about all of these along with a couple of friends and we were able to speak directly to high ranking NCC officers as well as the main local political players. 

The new administration decided they wanted Local Area Councils instead and we were put in with Cramlington and Seaton Valley.  The Sleekburn ward was put in with Ashington/ Blyth and that caused some consternation at the time.

These new constructs were to have decision making powers and budgets over localised issues as well as some regeneration issues and budgets.  Given that and the fact that for once we weren’t going to be under Ashington meant I was all for them! 

I was called out for ‘allowing Bedlington to be broken up’ but in reality that had already happened with the creation of the 3 parish councils and Area meetings were just talking shops anyway with very limited relevance, as anyone who attended them would know!

What has transpired was what I said last night.  Basically we were sold a pup and the LAC’s have never had any decision making powers, other than a few planning applications, and they have never had budgets!  As well as those little matters to think about they don’t really have any democratic legitimacy so what we get are endless presentations to note! 

I get wrong for saying ours is more akin to a Cramlington Town Council meeting give their never-ending presentations and even though I do make myself heard at these meetings I haven’t changed my mind! 

When rebuked for what I was saying last night I pointed out the public gallery…….not a single person had sat through the whole meeting, and quite a few councillors had joined them too, heading for the door!

So as they are, I consider them basically irrelevant, apart from some local interest presentations and I have suggested they become much more public friendly and forward facing and embrace that as a way forward.

No doubt we will see a public consultation about them soon enough…………