DHA forced into open
Socialist Organiser1983 1983-11-10Read it in the scan (PDF), scan page 3 →
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LAST week's re-scheduled Oxfordshire DHA meeting was subject to a constant barrage of barraking and chanting from about 100 protesting members of the public.
In SO 153 we reported on how the previous meeting had been abandoned in the face of a 'mass attendance' of the meeting room.
Venue
The DHA changed the venue of the recalled meeting - it was held in the County Hall on the same day as the courts were in session amid strict security. Police and security officers escorted about 100 people into the public gallery after a vigorous lobby. This shut about 60 outside who kept up a continuous stream of chants and slogans through the open windows.
The DHA then proceeded with the greatest of arrogance. It was the public who had to call for amplification in order that their mumbling could be heard. The authority then whipped through a 31 point agenda in just nver an hour. It was obvious that all real discussion had taken place at the pre-meeting.
The DHA is terrified of taking discussion in public. Thus on all major issues there was only cursory comment a final decision on FPA cuts in force since March was deferred. On a request from the Region that they make staff cuts of 77 the officers recom- MAC mended 'no action at present'.
As they are already 141 staff short this is a de facto acceptance of the cuts. There was no discussion on the principle of whether to accept or reject the Region's request.
The whole meeting was a farce. Proceedings were halted many times as the fury of the public drowned even the PA system.
The DHA tactic is obviously to treat the public with contempt,
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54, November Page