September News

Posted: September 15, 2011 | Author: Richard | Filed under: Newsletters | Tags: boundary changes, community assemblies, lords reform, steering group | Leave a comment »

Green Party Conference 10 – 12 September

There was a successful stall and fringe meeting “Can the Greens sustain success without electoral change?” held by the Electoral Reform Society, with local supporters Arran, Richard, Liz and Jane featuring. Thanks to Arran for speaking at the fringe, as well as other high profile speakers. Check our previous post for photos. The Green Party locally were very supportive in the Yes Campaign and for that we are very appreciative.

Constituency Boundary changes

Proposals were published yesterday, 13 Sept. Consultation period is open until 3rd Dec with view to revised recommendations Spring 2012. All due to be in place by October 2013 ready for next General Election. The South Yorkshire seats are reduced from 14 to 13. See below for detailed proposals. Do you share my opinion that parts of the proposals seem bizarre?

Unlock Democracy comments:
http://www.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/blog/entry/proposed-boundary-review-will-have-unintended-consequences

Y&H Proposals:
http://rr-bce-static.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/2011_09_09_BCE_YorkshireHumberIP_acc2.pdf?9d7bd4

Consultation process:
http://consultation.boundarycommissionforengland.independent.gov.uk/

Sheffield Consultation Dates and locations
Thursday 13th & Friday 14th October 2011 at Sheffield Town Hall.

Lords Reform

You can sign the national petition for wholly or 89% elected second chamber here: http://action.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/page/signup/elect-the-lords-petition

In Sheffield, we are pressing Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to come off the fence and support a fully elected second chamber. Please download the attached letter, sign it and if possible get your friends and contacts to sign it and then send it to us c/o 39B Westbourne Road Sheffield S10 2QT. Thank you.

There are a variety ways that you can contribute to the national consultation process. Try these:

• http://action.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/lords-consultation
• http://action.unlockdemocracy.org.uk/lords-in-your-words

 

Future of Community Assemblies

A question was asked about this at the Sheffield City Council meeting last week when Councillor Mick Rooney, who has responsibility for this area of work, said he would first be consulting the Labour Group. We have urged Councillor Rooney to prioritise a consultation with the people of Sheffield on any proposed changes and also asked whether he would address a public meeting hosted by ourselves on the Council’s proposals. He has agreed to this, at some point in the future. The continuing uncertainty is likely to have an effect; one view is that at the moment, the influence of Community Assemblies is being eroded by default. So we are keen that this issue is progressed without delay and does not become a political football between the two main parties in the Council..

Sheffield for Democracy Steering Group

Next meeting is at 4pm this coming Sunday 18th September. Let us know if you would like to come.

Regards

Vicky Seddon

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