Letter to the editor.

17/02/2024

As I arrived to observe Woking BC’s full Council meeting on the 8^th February, the dignified and disciplined nature of the outside protests against the cuts to local services was a notable contrast to some of the behaviour inside the chamber.

In what proved to be a long and controversial meeting it was surprising to see the Deputy Leader of the Council hijack their own proposals with an amendment, which while being very worthy, reduced the time and scope for councillors to debate the package of cuts effectively and coherently.

Much was made of the continuing lack of transparency from the current administration, suggesting that the lessons of the past have not been applied and that short term political considerations are still being placed ahead of the interests of Woking’s residents and Council Tax payers.

Councillor Roberts, the Finance portfolio holder, treated the chamber to a somewhat tortuous analogy comparing the Council’s predicament to an aircraft taking off from a runway on Mount Everest forced to leave behind unnecessary weight. Perhaps the Councillor and his administration should take time to sensitively reflect that the citizens of Woking, and the services they value, may not take kindly to being abandoned in this manner.

Sean O’Malley

Secretary, Woking Labour Party.