An insight from Councillor Philip Owen (Nuthall & Watnall):
"The public are not allowed to ask questions at meetings. Members of the public can contact any member of the County Council prior to a meeting to discuss items. I am not aware of any mechanism by which the public can insist on a recorded vote. If you require details of the Council's standing orders that cover these maters I suggest that you contact the council's legal department."
Justice for Carer's Reply:
"We have contacted all the following Councillors - at least twice - concerning the Nottinghamshire Care Home & Day Centre closures - as yet with no response (other then "Out of Office" replies) - please remember this when the time comes to cast your vote!!!!"

Councillor M Storey (Chair) (To read Councillor Storey's responce click here)
Councillor A Rhodes
Councillor S Carroll
Non voting members
Councillor J Lonergan
Councillor V Dobson
Councillor J Allin
Councillor The Honourable J Taylor
Councillor S Carr

This certainly puts a new spin on Councillor Owen's view of the public contacting Councillors to discus issues!!! And also partially answers the problem of non-consultation with Carers on issues relevant to them. In addition Notts County Council have spent £19,500 on a consultant from America who concluded that the Council needed to "engage with the electorate" and take "a more collaborative approach". The response Justice for Carers has received from the above Councillors personally so far indicates that the £19,500 was another waste of taxpayers money!!

Comment - Councilors waste money that could be spent on care homes

To read the letters sent to the above Councillors CLICK HERE - they concern the closure of 8 out of 15 Council run care homes. Preventing their closure is one of our major current campaigns. To help with this campaign, please email us.

Click on link for information about NCC Care Home & Day Centre closures - 3rd September 2007 Cabinet meeting in which the first steps towards Care Home & Day Centre closures were taken. (for more info CLICK HERE). There has been no meaningful consultation with Carers during the production of the recommendations passed at this meeting...