Councillor Commission Report Overlooks Technology
December 13, 2007 Posted by Stephen Hilton in : Bristol, News , trackbackThe newly published report of the Councillors Commission makes recommendations regarding the following,
- Encouraging people who are able, qualified and representative to be candidates to serve as councillors.
- Retaining and developing them once they are elected (or appointed under the Local Government Act 2000).
- Enabling them to secure public interest and recognition for the work they carry out for their communities.
The report does say something about use of technology on p.77 and there is a fleeting reference to e-democracy but unfortunately the only Recommendation is 39 c – ‘so that they don’t have to attend meetings in person’.
We wonder if the commission talked with the e-democracy team in ICELE – the Communities and Local Government funded centre of excellence for e-democracy?
I recently Chaired Bristol’s e-democracy Day and heard some excellent councillor speakers from Bristol and Bath talk about their use of Facebook, My Space, blogs, e-petitions etc. You can see the web cast here.
Comments»
They've talked to us now. Expect a full and thorough response to the consultation from ICELE.