District Councillors June Jottings

The first full council of the new term has taken place. The Liberal Democrats are now in charge of every committee, having taken the unusual step of ensuring the leading party have the chair role in every position, as well as holding positions on outside bodies.

Previously it has always been considered good practice for the opposition to chair committees which hold the council's actions to account, such as Audit and Scrutiny, as a means of checking and balancing the decision taken by the council, but they have dispensed with this custom.

As you will know from previous articles, the council has been undergoing a transformation programme for some time and it is still ongoing. Several of you have made us aware of a number of issues you are having, actually getting through on the telephone and speaking to someone being the number one complaint. IT/website are also causing problems along with a backlog of planning applications. If it is any consolation, councillors are having difficulties too. However, we are aware that these issues are being raised and hopefully and a solution will be found shortly.

Lots of activities have already been taking place in our ward – walking festivals, open gardens, big breakfasts and with summer now upon us please check your local social media and newsletters to continue supporting all the upcoming events.

Please do get in touch if we can help in anyway. Our contact details are as follows: Clare -- clare.paul@southsomerset.gov.uk or 07879 423117 Tiffany -- tiffany.osborne@southsomerset.gov.uk or 07876 565546