South Tyneside Council has run up a huge debt and the government has no plans to bail it out - whoever wins the May elections will be faced with a financial disaster.
That’s why CAST will host a series of public meetings where YOU can quiz election candidates about their plans for the borough.
Birmingham Council went bankrupt and has cut vital services. We cannot stand by and watch something like that hit South Tyneside, especially while some councillors continue to travel first class on trains!
We are campaigning for local assemblies to play a key role in all decisions about the future of essential services. That would give a badly-needed boost to local democracy.
Our area needs MORE resources, NOT less. That’s the best answer to those who try to divide our community, ignoring the real issue about PROPER FUNDING.
Public consultations:
Event format:
A spokesperson from each political party STANDING IN THE ELECTION will be invited to take part in each event as well as the independent candidate(s) standing in that particular ward.
In order to ensure that we get through the maximum number of questions, audience members will be asked to submit their questions in writing as they arrive (question forms and pens will be provided!) As many questions as possible will be put to the panel - read out by one of the CAST team - and each candidate will be given the opportunity to respond.
Questions will be selected at RANDOM* - CAST HAS NO VESTED INTEREST IN WHICH TOPICS COULD BE COVERED OR WISH TO CONTROL THE NARRATIVE - we are simply providing YOU a platform to ask YOUR prospective councillors YOUR questions!
Once the panel aspect of the event has concluded, the candidates are free to remain in the venue to give YOU the opportunity to put any further questions you may have, to them.
PLEASE NOTE: OFFENSIVE COMMENTS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED - THIS INCLUDES (BUT IS NOT RESTRICTED TO) RACISM / HOMOPHOBIA / SEXISM.
Schedule for each event:
* OFFENSIVE QUESTIONS WILL NOT BE PUT TO THE PANEL.
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