Who runs this website?
I have for some years been taxing (sorry, had to say that!) my brain over the apparent inequity in funding of local government.
Add to this the fact that, on the face of it at least, tourists flood into Devon on roads we pay for, use services we pay for, make waste we pay to recycle and remove.
As a committed democrat I am dismayed at the lack of interest in elections generally and the spectacularly low turnout at local elections, yet read the vociferous complaints in the local newspaper aimed at the elected representatives.
It all strikes me as a glaringly obvious disjoint.
So rather than bleat about it, I have set up this website to set out my thoughts and findings and to invite rational and constructive comments from anyone else.
With a stroke of luck there may be sufficient interest that I can add statistical information, personal views and constructive comment to allow a meaningful debate which in turn may be used to inform those that make the key decisions.
About me
I was a primary school teacher. I am now a web designer. I have a political standpoint that is best described as realistic, compassionate socialist. I have found that this has led me to support the Liberal Party and then the Liberal Democrats. Note, however, that despite that pedigree I have been able to quote from publications by the Adam Smith Institute and other organisations that promote local VAT on the principle of ‘freedom of choice’ and ‘market economics’. Although these roots are associated with right-wing politics I am not letting that stand in the way of working towards a more equitable and democracy-promoting system of local government finance.
