Having worked in local government for 10 years I couldn't say I'd never caught the slightest whiff of any 'dodgy' behaviour, particularly as I was at LBH when the events that triggered the Ombudsman investigation into the Heston & Cranford Area Committee, and although I'd left LBH as that investigation progressed I still had to give evidence etc.But equally what I don't always think Joe Public recognises is that some Councillors are elected by constituents who see things very differently to how you and I might see them, and then Councillors have to tread the fine line between acting fairly and in accordance with protocol etc., and representing their constituents.When I joined LBH I'd previously worked at Councils where Officer recommendations were generally agreed/supported, and it was something of a shock to the system to realise that sometimes I'd really have to fight my corner, but personally I don't think that was a bad thing and it certainly made it a better professional.Regarding relationships between developers and Councillors, in my considerable direct experience on all sides of the fence I don't see a more 'cosy' relationship between developers and Councillors than I do between residents and Councillors. Indeed I often find that Councillors are very careful to keep a distance from developers for fear of accusations of improper behaviour etc., but not from residents - you might say that is entirely right and proper, as it is the residents that elect them, but personally I think the same 'rules' should apply, and that's why I chuckle when some residents are always quick to suggest that there's some kind of dodgy relationship between Councillors and developers,One point that very few Councillors seem to be aware of, or have ever been told (which I partly blame on how some Councils do not have Borough Solicitors attending committee meetings) that the concept of predetermination disappeared 2 years ago - now there is absolutely nothing in law to prevent a Councillor actively campaigning either for or against a development and still taking part in the committee vote on that development, as long as the vote the Councillor makes is only based on what he/she has heard/been presented with at the committee meeting. I think it's absurd, as if a Councillor has been actively campaigning against a development they are hardly going to vote in support of the proposal at committee, but there you go.
Adam Beamish ● 3915d