A Darlaston resident is set to challenge the newly elected Reform council over the governance of a £20 million government funding programme, demanding a review of the decision-making board that controls the spending.
Resident Calls for Board Overhaul
Alison Humpage will question the portfolio holder for regeneration, Councillor Nicky Barker, at the next full council meeting on July 27. She has raised concerns about the Darlaston Pride in Place programme, including 'poor publicity of community engagement events, a lack of transparency in the selection of resident representatives, and disputes that board membership cannot be reviewed'.
Ms Humpage is calling on the deputy leader to 'properly scrutinise' these issues and 're-establish the board with true resident representation'. The board is responsible for deciding how the £20 million lifeline funding will be spent in the town.
Background of Controversy
The board has faced significant criticism from former councillors and local residents who claim the community has been 'sidelined'. According to the Darlaston Town's Board website, only six of the fifteen members are residents. In October last year, the government announced the additional £20 million for the Blakenall area under its Pride in Place programme.
At the time, local councillor Pete Smith expressed fears that the board would be dominated by 'business leaders and professionals' rather than residents. The following month, Smith submitted a Notice of Motion calling for residents to be in the driving seat for Blakenall, which was approved by full council.
Reform UK's Pre-Election Pledge
Before the May elections, Reform UK stated: 'Locally the news has been focused on the Darlaston Board which is deemed to be undemocratic and non-transparent. Reform would look at the current makeup of the board, audit spending to date and look to hold a democratic election of board members ensuring control is mandated to the residents.'
The item will be discussed at the next public meeting at 6pm on July 27 at Walsall Council House.
