THE proposed changes to Bromsgrove District Council's constitution will further increase the delegated decision making powers, to both the executive cabinet and certain officers of the council. It is claimed they are necessary in order to introduce a more efficient modern style management and the need for speedier decisions. It is further argued that these changes are of paramount importance whilst the council is in 'voluntary engagement'.

The Independents are not convinced that these additional powers, which are granted to just a handful of people, are necessary - whilst the authority is under 'voluntary engagement'.

The price to be paid for these new measure is the alienation of the ordinary member from the decision making process and are undemocratic as there is not even the pretence of consultation.

This alienation will inevitably cause much frustration and a sense of powerlessness to ordinary members of the council. It is also doubtful whether the answerability to the public and the involvemebnt of backbench members in the business of the council will ever be reinstated when the council is out of 'voluntary engagement'.

Councillor Nick Psirides

Co-ordinator, Br'grove Independents