The news that only four nominations have been recieved for the forthcoming parish council electyions does not seem to auger well for the success of the Prime Ministers much trumpeted Bif Society project. If a large, and fairly prosperous, local community like Silverton can hardly assemblw a quorum for its local representitive body then what hope can there be for greater democratic participation in the poorer areas of the big cities.
For yeard the reputation of nodies like the parish council has declined as there powerlessness in nearlt every area of public life has become more apparent. Until councils like Silverton are given powers and finance equilrlant to their counterparts on the continent its obvious that people of talent and ability will feel ever less desire to stand for election.
An additional reason why people are reluctant to stans for councils may wrll ne also because they are having to spend so much time and energy trying to earn enough to pay the mortgage, keep up with the rises in inflation and to show the boss that they are worth retaining come the next round of rationalisations. Alarm Clock Britain is not going to promote the Big Society.
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