Response sent to a correspondent by EDDC councillor Peter Sullivan on the EDDC omnishambles. You can see the original request at the end of this post.

Interestingly, the reply was copied by Councillor Sullivan to EDDC councillor Phil “I am not and never have been a Whip” Twiss, who responded:

“Thanks for cutting to the chase on this one Peter and saying it as it is”.

Here is the reply, below is the original request for information. You be the judge – if we are a sovereign state. (NB: our bold text)

Definition: “sovereign”: 1. One that exercises supreme, permanent authority, especially in a nation or other governmental unit, as:
a. A king, queen, or other noble person who serves as chief of state; a ruler or monarch.
b. A national governing council or committee.
2. A nation that governs territory outside its borders.
3. A gold coin formerly used in Great Britain.

Dear [Correspondent]

“A memorandum of understanding has been put together which is a starter for taking forward shared services. It will put document on the table which we can now debate within the council and which can go through the democratic process. Without a document on the table there is nothing to discuss.

For as long as I have been a member there have been calls from all political parties for greater links between neighbouring councils I just see this as an on-going process.

In other areas of the country councils are coming together forming combined authorities and attracting considerable financial investment. Although this is not Unitary if that is your concern – the reorganisation into unitary will cost millions, it was about £120M + on-going costs in Cornwall’s case and they are now devolving to 19 regions within the county.

It’s about working together and maintaining our own sovereignty.

As for Sky Park and Manstone this was and has been going through a continuous evaluation recently and this has always been the stated position, as we all know this was only a preferred option not the final agreement as with any business case no decision will be made until ALL the relevant facts and figures are known and with member discussion.

I can remember a major exercise like this with a previous employer who had eventually to look at three different new locations / options for a new HQ, interestingly though it was the Board that made the final decision, the shareholders and workforce and public (even though there was public finances involved ) were informed after the event.

I believe we are being a lot more open and democratic with the way we are moving forward with our future plans.

As you know these issues will be discussed in future council meeting.

Peter Sullivan
[Conservative councillor for Sidmouth Town ward]

This was in response to this enquiry:

Councillors, (also sent to Cllrs Kerridge and Newth)

Three decisions with potentially major consequences for the people of east Devon have been announced by EDDC this week.

1. An agreement has been signed for ever closer union with Exeter and Teignbridge councils.

2. Skypark has been abandoned as a potential site for a new council HQ.

3. The Manstone depot may now be retained as an employment site and accommodate depot facilities currently based at Knowle

I can find no record of any Council, Cabinet, Working Party or sub-committee at which these proposals may have been discussed so can you, as my representatives on EDDC, please tell me:-

1. When and by what means did you first become aware of these decisions?

2. Do you know which Councillors or Officers were involved in making these decisions and on what authority they were published?

I look forward to your responses

[A correspondent]
Sidmouth