I think it is important to distinguish between the different tiers of local government and not be tempted into slotting them all into the same pigeon hole. Parish/Town Councils in England are the first tier of local government giving people a say at a very local level on proposals which affect them and are often at the heart of a thriving local community, forming a key part of the democratic process. As a democratic socialist I believe any statuary body which devolves power away from the centralized bureaucrats who don’t understand the concerns of local people has got to be a good thing. Councillors who serve on Parish/Town councils are elected by the parishioners who reside within its boundaries and are registered on the electoral role. Concillors are not paid, but they can claim allowances/expenses in certain circumstances, most do not however. Just wanted to clear that up to avoid any misunderstanding.
With reference to the original post, I think the ‘we are all in this together’ club has a smaller fan-base than the mobsters which claim to be, ‘looking after your world’
