Annual list of York Councillor enquiries published

The number of issues raised through official York Council recording systems has been published in response to a Freedom of Information request.

The list gives an indication of the amount of “on the streets” work being undertaken by individual Councillors. The total number of issues raised was slightly up on the previous year.

The Councillors toward the bottom of the list will no doubt be quick to point out that there are other channels available for remedying problems.

That maybe so.

We think that Councillors should make a particular effort to provide an annual report to their constituents. Some already do via social media. Members of the public can view their representatives web sites, Facebook pages and twitter streams to find out more.

At least one Councillor provides an update each week to parish Councils in his area and there are other examples of best practice around.

Generally we would expect that a Councillor would make a weekly inspection of public service standards in their area and then ensure that any issues are resolved quickly.

NB. Councillors also attend meetings (fewer during lock-down). Attendances are recorded and can be viewed on the Council website.

The York Council has published a prompt response to our annual request for information about Councillor issue raising numbers. This allows residents to see how many issues have been raised during the last 4 years by individual Councillors.

The information is published at the end of each year. All Councillors have access to the central complaints handing service at the Council. Some have claimed in the past that they choose not to use it. One or two say that they use the “report it“ on line system, although this is limited to certain types of issue.

As well as monitoring public service standards and pursing local problems, Councillors have other roles. These include attendance at a range of meetings.

Either way, York enjoys the services of some hardworking local representatives who will legitimately hope for re-election on 2nd May.