Democracy in Newham
What’s going on?
How can we get involved and why does this matter?
There is currently a review taking place on democracy, accountability and representation in order to explore how the Council can improve upon these fundamental points. Please attend sessions in person if you can, alternately – submit your views or suggestions online https://www.newhamdemocracycommission.org
Some important dates are:
Public Meeting (World Café) – Stratford – Saturday 18th January, 2pm – 4.30pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
Drop in – Stratford Library, Saturday 18 January, 10am – 12pm
Evidence hearing – Governance models and the role of councillors in strengthening local democracy Wednesday 29 January, 10:am – 5pm, Stratford Library
The very long tenure of our previous Mayor highlighted many of the structural flaws of having an all-powerful person at the helm. So part of the review is also looking at the structures of local governance best suited to Newham. From June 2020 – 2021 there will be a referendum (date to be set soon) on the type of governance structure we want. Please note – this will Not be a referendum on the performance of the current Mayor, but of far greater importance: how we want Newham to be governed in the future.
What happens next for Labour party members? From June onwards, we’ll have access to the commissioners’ report and can also invite speakers, hold discussions at branch & GC level, have reading groups etc to consider the recommendations or any other options in detail. As individuals we will have a vote in the local referendum (date to be set soon).
If anyone is aware of any useful reading material or speakers on this subject, please share as widely as possible. The Local Government Act 2000 available here is useful but quite dense.
