Darlington Green Councillors have denounced Keir Starmer’s government’s announcement to abolish council committee systems as “undemocratic and clueless”.
Cllr Matthew Snedker, Leader of Darlington Green Councillors, said: “The decision from Starmer’s government to abolish the committee system shows Labour’s true colours – their arrogance means that they won’t share power or listen to anyone but themselves.
“Since 2012, local authorities have been able to choose the committee system which allows for a more representative voice to residents. If 20% of voters support a political party, that party receives 20% of the decision-making power. In contrast, Darlington currently operates under a ‘first past the post’ system, which in 2023 gave Labour full control of the council despite securing only 35% of the vote, supported by the Lib Dems achieving 5% of the vote.
“Most importantly, this will not solve the big problems we face. Greens have been asking successive governments for years for proper funding to address the many crises in local government.
“Labour promised change but they have no answers when it comes to the real issues local authorities and residents face – crisis in the private rental sector, SEND provision, increasing demand for adult social care and meeting net zero commitments.
“All the while they are attempting to squash a rebellion of their own Labour MPs so they can plunge hundreds of thousands into poverty by slashing their benefits.
Cllr Roz Henderson, Deputy Leader of Darlington Green Councillors said: “This Labour government has no plan to improve the lives of working people in Darlington, instead of meddling with local democratic decisions they should be providing respite from 15 years of grinding austerity.
“We need proper investment in communities, funded by a tax on the ultra-rich, or this Government will feel the consequences at the next election.
“A committee system would give all councillors who are elected to represent the Borough a seat at the table, as well as providing more forums for public engagement. Greens believe that voters deserve to have their voices heard through the representatives they elected. Instead Darlington people have to endure the decisions of a leader and a few handpicked councillors making decisions on behalf of Darlington behind closed doors.”
Cllr Snedker continued: “Since being voted out of power in 2023, Darlington Conservatives have refused to engage positively in Darlington’s governance. Their leader rarely bothers to attend scrutiny meetings, instead preferring social media stunts and squandering public money on unnecessary ‘emergency council meetings’. The Greens are more than happy to have the job of holding Labour to account.
“Labour say they want more transparency and accountability, but under a leader & cabinet system key decisions are taken by just one cabinet member, instead of a politically representative committee of elected councillors debating in a public forum.”
“I continue to be disappointed by their attitude and approach and will continue to support a committee system which allows for more democracy, not only between elected councillors but more opportunity for public engagement.”