It is usual for West Suffolk Council to engage with the public and councillors. Something has changed since the May election. After nearly 4 months we have heard nothing from the Labour led minority coalition.

The Leader of the Council would normally write a regular Leaders report and share with councillors from all parties. This is informative and can form the basis of reports that councillors share with their parish and town councils. Since May we have not seen a single Leaders report.

Regular consultations with the public are essential to ensure the people are heard and that the council does the right thing. Consultations often result in a modification of policy. Since May there has been one consultation. For comparison there were 5 in the same period last year.

https://www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/Council/Consultations/consultation-listing.cfm

I have been calling for a strategic review of grass cutting which should have been consulted on. Nothing.

I have attended all the Cabinet meetings since May and have been surprised by the absolute silence from the Cabinet Members. No involvement. No comments. No support for policies even. The only person who speaks is the Labour Leader. It’s as if they have been told to keep quiet. This is not good for democracy.

Nationally, Labour has famously been known for its strict command and control. If you don’t behave you are in trouble, ‘eh comrade!!!