Staff shortages and the loss of Ventnor Town Council’s clerk mean fewer meetings will take place in the South Wight town.
On Monday (14th August), Ventnor Town Council agreed a 6-month trial to hold full Council meetings every 2 months, instead of monthly, after it was unable to to replace its clerk, David Bartlett who has departed after 13 years in his role.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Bartlett resigned after allegations of bullying within the Council were ‘ignored’.
Ventnor mayor, Councillor Steve Cooper said acting clerk, Alison Killick, had been doing a sterling job but said, effectively the Council is down a couple of roles.
He said:
“The rationale is it will make us leaner, more focused and take pressure off our acting clerk at this challenging time.”
Cllr Cooper added that only 4 meetings a year are actually required by law.
Council committees and working groups — including those for planning; sustainability and biodiversity; and assets and services — will continue to be held monthly.
Other Island councils, including Sandown and Ryde’s Town Councils, and the Isle of Wight’s full council, already meet every 2 months.
The trial will run until February — with meetings held in October, December and February.
After that, a final decision will be made, to see if Councillors would prefer to make it permanent.
I assume that they will cut the councillors’ allowances by half accordingly.
Yes they will be reduced by half!
half of nothing is still nothing, perhaps you would like them reduced by even more?
Hiding away are you, shame on you.
A lot can happen in 2 months
In the absence of a clerk, a town or parish councillor can carry out the role, albeit unpaid. If they don’t meet monthly, they will miss being able to discuss and comment on planning applications. I’m sure there must be at least one councillor who is able to take this role on, or are they all only on the council to make themselves feel important?