SIMON JENKINS (ex-National Trust chairman and journalist) is stirring up opposition to the Freedom of Information Act.

But where would we be without the right to hold public bodies to account?

If anything the legislation needs to be strengthened in the interests of transparency.

The Press has reported many times the tortuous process involved in obtaining information about decisions made behind closed doors.

And my recent attempt to bring Earswick Parish Council to heel is a case in point.

A reply to my question about the authorisation of security patrols in the village drew forth the unhelpful response that, “the Act covers any recorded information that is held by a public authority and in this instance no such information exists”.

A lengthy process of complaint to the Information Commissioner is now under way simply to prise out of the parish council financial details that should be a matter of public record to those who pay the piper.

Frustrating accountability and openness acts against the public interest and raises the question: is the current Freedom of Information Act fit for purpose?

Allan Charlesworth, Old Earswick

 

IS it Grove House that is “not fit for purpose” or is it those at City of York Council responsible for providing elderly care homes that are in need of complete replacement?

In the 1980s there was a boom in private care homes; all built to the standards then pertaining. Subsequent superior specifications meant these homes no longer satisfied the regulating authorities.

The home owners did not abandon their buildings; they set about remodelling, extending and upgrading them to meet the new standards; often working around existing residents so they did not have to move out.

If the private sector could manage this upgrade of existing valuable assets, why can’t City of York Council?

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York

 

HAVING seen how our Lord Mayor refused to move while the Mansion House is being updated, I could not believe her stance. To say “I am York’s first citizen” isn’t what the post of mayor is about.

My family are Freemen of York, my father being one who helped to form the Guild of Freemen. Shame on this lady’s attitude. Maybe she could dip into her pocket and help to re-gild the City of York’s regalia – or not wear it out any more.

Ian Buckle, Pocklington

 

MANY thanks to the staff of the National Railway Museum. They came out of the office building in the car park for disabled people at the city entrance and enabled me to attend the wonderful production of The Railway Children at the end of its season this month.

As a wheelchair user I had been waiting behind a car with reversing lights showing so I could enter the blue badge bay when it was vacated. From behind a driver started hooting aggressively, shouting at me and then suddenly pulling out and accelerating around me to block the entrance to the bay, by then vacant.

The commotion had brought NRM uniformed staff out of the office building.

They were most reassuring and arranged for me to park in one of their staff bays as there was no where else available.

Only thanks to them was I able to get into the auditorium with my grand-daughter and then enjoy the wonderful performance – enjoy it despite finding myself seated a couple of places away from the aforementioned driver.

Name and address supplied

 

WELL everyone, it’s nearly that time again. May I ask for another big effort from you please.

You give our deaf little ones such excellent help and it is so appreciated.

As you know, everything you donate for auction (where no charges are made) buys items needed for assessment and aftercare of a cochlear implant.

There is only the Listening For Life Centre in all Yorkshire and beyond doing this wonderful work of giving a hearing life.

Could you donate unwanted jewellery, watches, clocks, binoculars, old framed mirrors, old fountain pens, lace tablecloths etc please?

Do give me a ring on 01347 810325 and we will gladly collect. My sincere thanks.

Eunice Birch, Sutton-on-Forest, York