An open letter to Dartmouth Town Council: I would be grateful, please, if the following questions are taken to the town council meeting on Monday, December 4, for consideration and response.

I understand that a decision on the transfer of certain devolved services – parks and gardens etc – from South Hams District Council to the town council will be taken shortly.

I have previously asked whether there will be any form of consultation with council tax payers as to the proposed terms with appropriate back-up information. The answer I received from the town council was unclear as to any commitment to consultation prior to a decision.

In that context, I believe that Dartmouth’s residents are reasonably entitled to an answer from the town council to the questions set out below.

In raising this issue, can I emphasise that I have no pre-determined view as to whether a transfer would be good or bad for the town. I simply would like some information upon which to base a judgement.

Questions:

1. Will there be any form of consultation prior to a decision?

2. Has the council tax precept, intended to cover the anticipated costs of taking on these services, been specifically ring-fenced for these purposes?

3. Linked to point two, can the council tax payers be assured that the financial implications of a transfer will not require any additional funding from council tax payers over the next few years?

4. Given the unique nature of the transfer, whereby there are no linked revenue streams, only costs, what legal powers is the town council relying upon to consider and, if appropriate, recommend any such transfer?

I look forward to receiving a written/email response, please, in relation to each of these linked questions.

Jeremy Wilson

Swannaton Road, Dartmouth