Category Archives: Democratic deficit

Lack of transparency, honesty, trust etc.

VICTORY: Council to come clean about Clean and “Green” City Fund #Manchester

Posted on September 1, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

Manchester City Council will finally reveal how they have been spending the  £14.5m “Clean City” Fund. The scheme was set up last year to disperse an unexpected Manchester Airports Group dividend. The Council’s Finance Scrutiny Committee has been successfully lobbied, … Continue reading →

Posted in Democratic deficit, Green spaces, Manchester City Council | Leave a comment

#Manchester councillors scrutinise #climate “progress” – video

Posted on August 28, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

There were three key questions. They didn’t get answered, but nonetheless, there is scope for optimism about the way Manchester’s councillors look at the performance of the council. The Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Committee, which looks at many other things as well … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Action Plan, Democratic deficit, Manchester City Council | 2 Comments

#Manchester People’s Environmental Scrutiny – meeting report, video, next steps

Posted on August 27, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

A meeting where you leave with more energy than you went in? Really? Is such a thing possible? Well, with luck, willpower and preparation, maybe. Last night, 16 people (1) gathered to share skills, ideas and donate their brainpower. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Campaign Update, Democratic deficit | Leave a comment

Report One: The Case for an Environmental Scrutiny Committee for #Manchester

Posted on August 22, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

Manchester is getting a much-needed People’s Environmental Scrutiny Committee.  The first meeting is next week, on Tuesday 26th August, from 7pm at the Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St.  (If you can’t come, please see the jobs list.)  The second … Continue reading →

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#Manchester Scrutiny Week August 2014

Posted on August 21, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

Manchester City Council could put all its upcoming scrutiny agendas on one web page. But that would be far too open and democratic… If you know anyone who might be interested in one of the topics under discussion, please forward … Continue reading →

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#Manchester Council #climate boss promises quarterly progress reports. Doesn’t deliver.

Posted on August 21, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

In February, Kate Chappell, the politician in charge of climate change for Manchester, announced quarterly progress reports would be prepared and released. Six months later, no reports. And the first progress report will be – if officers get their way … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Action Plan, Democratic deficit, Manchester City Council | Leave a comment

#Manchester Council to spend up to £30k on Green Strategy that in-house bureaucrats were supposed to do.

Posted on August 20, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

Manchester City Council’s environmental strategy team has invited outsiders to write its Green Infrastructure Strategy. It is looking for a “suitably qualified consultant with relevant experience to undertake the production of a Manchester Green Infrastructure Strategy and Action Plan.” The … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Action Plan, Democratic deficit, Green spaces, Manchester City Council | 1 Comment

How to Lobby Councillors – #Manchester #climate etc. Comments welcomed!!!

Posted on August 16, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

If you’ve got ideas about how to improve this “bluffer’s guide”, let me know please – environmentalscrutiny@gmail.com Update – it was improved on Tuesday 26th August with help from all the people who came to the first meeting of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Climate Change Action Plan, Democratic deficit, Manchester City Council, Unsolicited advice, volunteer opportunity | 3 Comments

Letter in #Manchester Evening News about council scrutiny and carbon literacy #climate

Posted on August 14, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

They edited it. Here’s the full text. Following on from Amal Basu’s letter (August 7th) about the lack of environmental action by Manchester City Council.  As readers will know, there are 95 Labour Councillors and one “Independent Labour” Councillor.  There … Continue reading →

Posted in Democratic deficit, Manchester City Council | Leave a comment

Manchester City Council and its #climate and #democracy choice

Posted on August 4, 2014 by manchesterclimatemonthly

Manchester City Council, made up of 95 Labour councillors and 1 “Independent Labour” councillor, has a choice. It can release a specific and detailed report about what it has – and has not achieved – over the last 12 months … Continue reading →

Posted in Democratic deficit, Manchester City Council | Leave a comment