In this series, we're going to be looking at South Tyneside Council - what it is, how it works, how it's funded and so on. In this final part, we look at: how can we make STC more democratic?
We recently published an article about flatpack democracy highlighting the problem of low voter turnout at local elections - average turnout in South Tyneside in the May 2021 elections was just over 35%, with some wards seeing less 30%. Fewer people engaging with local politics means that decision-making is held in the hands of the minority, so how can this be classed as ‘democratic’?
Following the election in May 2022, 41 of the 54 seats are now held by Labour Party councillors with the Green Party and Independents holding 6 each and the remaining seat held by a Conservative Party candidate. This means that the Labour Party hold 76% of the seats yet they have 100% of the of the representatives on the Leader/Cabinet model adopted by STC. So again, how can this be classed as ‘democratic’?
Even if you overlook these two points, the monthly Council meetings which are open to the public, are held in the Council chamber of South Shields Town Hall (discriminating against those not living in South Shields) but you’re also not allowed to take part directly in any debate! You can submit a question (see Section 8 of the Council Constitution) or a petition (see section 9) but it’s not guaranteed to be asked or accepted. So yet again, how can this be classed as democratic?
In accordance with the Local Government Act 2000, The Local Authorities (Referendums) (Petitions) (England) Regulations 2011, electors in the Council’s area can petition the Council to hold a referendum on whether a local authority should change to a different form of governance, i.e. ‘to operate a leader and cabinet executive (England) or the committee system instead’.(1) Any petition of this type must be signed by at least 5% of the local electorate. Data published in 2021, estimated that South Tyneside would have a predicted population of 152,909 by 2023 meaning a petition would need 7645* signatures.
Do you think this number is achievable and if it is, could a campaign be successful?
Both Bristol and Sheffield have initiated the referendum process to change their local government models from their present form to a committee system. Both are looking to create councils which are more open and transparent by working positively with others and ensuring that ALL of the councillors who’ve been elected, have the opportunity to represent their constituents.
The people of Bristol and Sheffield are no longer prepared to be ruled over by a clique with absolute power, very little scrutiny or accountability with their elected councillors being mostly locked out of the decision-making process...not unlike our own borough.
Community voices MUST be heard - so is it time for change in South Tyneside?
What do you think? Let us know what you think here
* PLEASE NOTE: this number is NOT official as we were unable to locate STC’s Notice of Verification Number at time of publication.
(1) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/2914/made
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