Ilkeston Chamber of Trade are hopping mad because they don't feel they have been properly consulted over Erewash Borough Council's 2011/2012 budget. The Controlling Conservative Group are not publicising their proposals in time to enable any meaningful amendments to be made.
The budget setting process has always given me cause for concern. According to the Council's own published Community Consultation Policy one of it's main values is "We will be open, honest, fair and realistic in all forms of engagement, and make sure we include everyone."
Unfortunately they don't seem to have implemented their own policy. Four years ago they were also supposedly developing an online consultation process, plus using e-mail or text messaging to keep in touch. Many other Council's are far and away better at consulting people than Erewash. They could learn a lot by looking at consultation methods operated by other organisations. It's time to stop being parochial and be more outward looking.
Along with Ilkeston Chamber of Trade we better not hold our breath waiting for effective consultation by Erewash Conservatives. Leopards don't change their spots.
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