Dear editor,
Bedford Borough Council appears to be unravelling before our eyes, with blame being thrown around at a range of individuals. But when a democratic organisation like a council fails, is it not ultimately us voters who share the responsibility?
England’s democratic system should be a source of pride. Anyone can scrutinise decisions and speak truth to power if they know how to do it and are willing to engage.
Yet democracy in England has been reduced to little more than voting once every four or five years. That now seems to be widely (mis)understood as the limit of our civic duties.
- Read: Government inspectors to examine Bedford Borough Council as financial pressures continue
- Read: What is a “best value” inspection – and why does it matter to Bedford?
I often see this sentiment regarding the current councillors and mayor, “It’s fine, we’ll just vote them out next year,” but 15 months is a long time in local government, particularly with a far-reaching inspection looming.
Much can go wrong before the ballot box can come to the rescue, and who’s to say that what follows will be any better?
I believe the Council’s problems run deeper than any one individual or party.
Read: Council’s “inward-looking culture” to blame for financial mess claims former employee
At the heart of the Council is, I believe, a clique of councillors who have walked the corridors of power for decades, publicly saying how much of a privilege it is for them to hold office.
Yet privately, they have made an inadequate effort to understand how the council operates on the ground for members of the public, or the many duties it is subject to.
Too often, they accept the assurances of senior council employees without challenge.
Why put up with it?
On the Housing Committee, for instance, more than half the councillors contribute little of substance, leaving scrutiny to a small minority who have taken the time to actually understand their remit and responsibilities.
Why are we putting up with this?
Read: Bedford Borough mayor calls for CEO’s resignation over “systemic mismanagement” at council
Read: Labour councillors declare no confidence in Bedford mayor as opposition pressure grows
Many residents I speak to take issue with the Council, yet few know what to do beyond voting for the least-worst option at the next election and arguing in social media comment sections.
Councils shape the issues people care about most – housing, education, planning, anti-social behaviour and much more.
All are discussed in public meetings where any resident or worker in Bedford Borough may submit questions. You don’t need to attend in person, nor submit questions in advance (though doing so improves the chance of receiving a full reply).
Meetings can be daunting at first, particularly full Council sessions, but showing up is worth the effort. Asking questions increases scrutiny, exposes incompetence and begins the process of change.
Democracy does not start and end at the ballot box. It depends on what we do between elections.
So I would implore anyone who wants the Council to function better to attend a public meeting to ask a question about something that matters… small questions often lead to big consequences.
Mike Hyden,
Director, Homelessness Best Practice
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