I have read with interest recent articles from Cllrs Austin and Crocker advocating a six per cent and 20 per cent rise in the council tax.
Both suggestions would of course have meant a rise in council tax with no increases in services or guarantees of performance.
Only this week the latest publication from Caradon setting out its 'best value' plan was little more than a self congratulatory stroll through the meadow bathed in a warm summer evening's glow.
The fact is that without proper scrutiny and proven targets against which to fudge its performance the whole document is meaningless (though very colourful).
The tax paying population of Caradon will have noticed that Caradon per household controls only the pennies and when on the defensive will usually emphasise this fact pointing out the vast sums administered by the County Council.
There are five other councils also administering pennies.
At a time when the Government is increasingly demanding 'joined up thinking' in all areas, with integrated area development plans, parish forums and local partnerships now being set up across Cornwall, the reorganisation of the existing local government structure can only be one election away.
Given the limited resources and services provided by District Councils the first question has to be ' are seven administration organisations necessary.?'
To achieve any savings will depend on economies of scale being applied with a higher level of centralisation but at the same time a broader decentralisation of responsibilities through outreach offices and the newly constituted forums.
These, plus parish and town councils, are a vital cog in this new process but the aim must be eventually to reduce the substantial administrations burden currently being placed on the tax payers of Cornwall.
TONY POWELL
District Councillor
Liskeard North