Further to your article about the Derwent Valley Council internal review, it should be noted that Council failed the first test of a Local Government requirement in openness. An opportunity for public comment has been lost.
The review, itself in my opinion, failed to identify cost savings or answer questions on improved efficiency. It did a good job on analysis with other southern councils, but even in this area relevant councils appear not to have been contacted or to have made any contribution.
Council may well deserve a self-congratulatory note on a job well done, but until a proper review of Council management takes place, our ratepayers will have to make up their own mind on openness and efficiency.
Richard Parker
Derwent Valley Council
