Scrapping forums ‘huge breakdown in local democracy’

Residents’ anger as local meetings ditched

Critics have blasted a decision to scrap public forums as “profoundly undemocratic”. The future of the Canterbury, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Rural forum meetings - which have been operating since 2018 - was debated by the city council last Wednesday as it looks into ways of improving its bleak financial situation.

The meetings hold consultations on local issues and allow residents and councillors to table items to discuss. Although they do not have any decision-making powers, supporters say they provide locals with a voice.

But city council leader Ben Fitter-harding (Con) does not believe they have been successful at increasing engagement and feels residents are being “abstracted” from the decision-making process. “What we want is for residents to engage with the committees so they can contribute and experience the decision actually being made rather than being part of a forum where they think something is going to happen but actually it doesn’t,” he said. Deputy leader Cllr Rachel Carnac (Con), who also wanted to ditch the meetings, said she found it more useful talking to residents through other means, such as social media.

But Cllr Nick Eden-green (Lib

Dem) said because of some of the “vitriol” on Facebook and Twitter, this should not guide decision making.

“It’s rank populism at its worst and it’s profoundly undemocratic,” he said.

Cllr Jean Butcher (Lab) added: “I can only say how angry I am that the ruling group are not thinking about the residents. “It’s about money.” Canterbury Society chair Richard Scase said: “We are very disappointed because we think it creates a huge breakdown in local democracy. The town forums offer an opportunity to people who have often been reluctant to come to council meetings. They created a very informal, relaxed environment.” St Michael’s Road Area Residents’ Association chair Richard Norman has accused the new council leader of having “no wish to engage with local people or listen to their concerns”.

‘The leader has no wish to engage with local people or listen to their concerns’