THERE has long been a school of thought which believes that "politics have no place in local government".

It is a sentiment with which I disagree.

In any organisation providing public services, there must be a range of specific policies linked to key principles which set priorities for action.

Political parties, being groups of people who share broadly the same values, usually produce such policies in the form of a manifesto.

This municipal year, as usual, Labour councillors on Wyre Forest District Council will use their current manifesto in just this way.

But on what basis will the biggest group on the council, the self-proclaimed "Independent" Health Concern councillors take decisions?

As was the case last year, they have no declared district council policies. Nor, surprisingly, can they look to their informal coalition partners, the Conservatives. They, too, lack a manifesto.

Of course, there is an answer.

The professionals, the council officers, will write reports which will contain recommendations for action.

The overwhelming majority of these reports will be accepted by Health Concern councillors without there having been any creative input from them whatsoever.

Professional officers should be there to advise.

Councillors should bring their distinctive values to that advice to fashion their priorities for action.

Without a relationship of this type, democracy is diluted.

We are not being well-served by the Health Concern phenomenon.

COUNCILLOR J SHAW

Labour Group Leader

Wyre Forest District Council

Redstone Lane

Stourport