An attempt by the four opposition parties on Tendring District Council to make the Tory administration think again over their intention to impose market rents on local community groups was stopped in its tracks last night as the Tory members of the council’s Community Leadership and Partnerships committee closed ranks to ensure the proposal went through.
Firstly, the Tory chair of the committee, Cllr. Dylis Miles, used her authority as chairman to refuse to hear a motion asking for the decision to be considered by the entire council.
After that, the five Tory councillors on the committee voted down a motion asking the cabinet to re consider the decision.
Lastly, the five Tory councillors, three of whom did not utter a single word during the two and a half hour meeting, voted to allow the decision to stand.
Ivan Henderson, a member of the committee and one of the callers in, says
“It appeared that the five Tory councillors were acting on instructions. Three of them didn’t say a word at the meeting but all voted in line with the cabinet decision. As a result, many community groups will face full market rents in three years time and may go out of business as a result.”
The five Conservative councillors sitting on the committee:
Dylis Miles (Walton), Mathew Patten (Wix Wrabness and Bradfield), Claire Callender (Harwich West Central), Chris Amos (St Johns) and Amthony Pugh (Walton)
For further information please contact Cllr. Ivan Henderson on 07889 367822
