It's not me missing the point (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

It's not me missing the point

WITH reference to Coun Small's letter (June 20) I feel that it is he, and not I, who has missed the point over the decision making process.

The cross-party Member Development Task Group has been discussing whether councillors should be offered the opportunity to study for a masters degree for over 12 months.

Until recently, the Labour group has not registered any objections, although there has been plenty of opportunity to do so.

Therefore, the view of the meeting on April 12 did not seem contentious even though the Labour group failed to send a representative. It should also be noted that they did not send a representative to the most recent meeting either, so one wonders how seriously they take the subject of councillor training and development.

If Labour now objects to this particular programme of councillor development I am quite prepared to withdraw my expression of interest and not submit an application to undertake the two years of intensive and time-consuming study.

Coun D Renard

Cabinet Member for Housing

Ward Member for Haydon Wick