ANOTHER day, another story about the erosion of local democracy in York. Too much power in too few hands, unnecessary secrecy, spin and self-publicity, poorly thought-through decision making, political tribalism and a two-tier system where some councillors seem to exist just to toe the party line.
This is not new and it is not about personalities or party. Whoever is in charge, the leader and cabinet system encourages fantasies that the West Offices are the West Wing. It doesn’t have to be like this. Councils can return to the committee system – several already have. The old system had its faults, but it was easier to find out what was being done in our name, to our city and with our money.
After more than 800 years of self-government, York ought to be able to do better than this. The leader-cabinet system has failed the city. Time for it to go.
James Richards, Scarcroft Road, York.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here