The Chairman of Moretonhampstead Parish Council (Cllr Ron Jones) sent a letter about the motion about double taxation to the Chairman of Teignbridge District Council (Cllr Ballinger); and also to the chairmen of all the town and parish councils in the Teignbridge District.  There were some very supportive replies from several parishes, including Whitestone, Hennock and North Bovey.

But there was no immediate response from Teignbridge.  Understandable, perhaps, if the Conservative councillors (their “Inner Cabinet”) were busy working on a solution to the problem.

But the whole of the summer went by, with no sign of a response.  Eventually, Cllr John Farrand-Rogers tabled a written question for the September meeting of the Parish Council, asking quite bluntly what reply had  been received from Teignbridge.  The Parish Clerk (Julie) then put pressure on Teignbridge, and received a phone call back from the Chairman of the Council.  He said that Cllr Gribble, as the relevant Portfolio Holder,  was dealing with the matter, and would be replying shortly.

This was reported to the meeting of the Parish Council the same evening.  As it happened, Cllr Gribble was present.  His response?

“Oh!   I´m supposed to be doing that, am I?    The first I´ve heard of it!”

One cannot help getting the impression that the Conservative administration in Teignbridge is not really “joined up”.

 

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