Politics

Last week we attended a Town Forum meeting where councillors were discussing and in most cases debating over issues affecting the council. The main topics were on parking, markets and trees... just to give you an idea of how frighteningly dull the meeting was. However there were moments of a laughable nature, I'll say no more.

Today marked the start of our Public Affairs module; this made aspects of the town forum meeting become clearer. We began with some basics which made me (and I'm hoping everyone else) realise how little I know, but learning about new stuff is the fun part!

Background Basics  
Conservatives rule Winchester, our current MP is a Tory named Steve Brine. He has no direct control over the council or court, he just simply represents our views in Parliament.

Two Teir System - Responsibility is divided in to the County and District.
Highest power = Hampshire County Council (County)
                          Winchester City Council (District)
                          Town Forum
Lowest power = Parish Council *
* Winchester does not have a Parish council, however the Town Forum is similar to this.

Unitary Authorities - This is where large towns have just one level of local government which is responsible for all the local services. e.g Southampton City Council

Local Authorities 
More then 2 million people are employed by the local authorities. For example, teachers, police, social services and firefighters. Local Authority spending in England is £133 billion a year, it is funded by grants from central government (who get their money from tax payers), council tax and business rates.

Council Tax
Every household pays a sum of money depending on the value of their home. This is then used to fund services in the area. Although Council Tax only covers 1/4 of funding for the council.


Councillors
Councillors are responsible for making decision on behalf of their local community about local services such as land use, refuse, collection and leisure facilities. They agree upon the budget for local authorities and set the policy framework. In addition to appointing chief officers and making constitutional decisions.
Councillors are elected by the local people for a four year term from a ward. (MP's are elected in a constituency)

Hampshire County Council
There are around 40,000 staff that work for HCC, they deal with education transport, strategic planning, emergency services, social services, public safety and waste disposal. There budget is £1.8 billion.
On average 5000 articles are written about HCC; 56% positive, 30% neutral and 14% negative. They aim for a target between 85-89% to be positive/neutral and will do all they can to stop negative press.


Winchester City Council
WCC deal with bins, leisure, environment, health and parking. There budget is £12 million.