About ACT Our history and aims
36 years ago, in 1969, a small group of
Salisbury people formed the SALISBURY
RATEPAYERS ASSOCIATION (SRA) to give
local electors a voice in the
administration of local government free
from party politics, firmly believing
that politics have no place at District
level. As membership grew so did
representation in the council chamber
in the shape of councillors, members of
the SRA, who were a respected and
influential part of the Independent
Group. As ex officio members of the
Association’s Executive Committee,
these councillors usually conformed
broadly to the views of the SRA but
there was never any pressure or
compulsion for them to do so. The SRA
and its successors always strove to
represent the perspective of local
people, unfettered by the often
inappropriate dictates of party
politics. A strong Independent Group
can ensure that local government
remains local. Sadly, that badly
needed group, curbing the Council
excesses, is diminishing today.
The long established name of Ratepayers
had to change when Council Tax was
introduced but many people continued to
use the old name and still do so to
this day. After much discussion and
consultation it was decided to change
to the COUNCIL TAXPAYERS ASSOCIATION
(CTA). Then it became increasingly
apparent that instead of being
recognised as independent of the
activities of Salisbury District
Council, people thought we were
actually a council department! The
final straw was the listing of our
telephone number amongst the
departments of the Council in the BT
telephone directory. It is still there
today (2006) and nobody knows how to
remove it!
.... The Association of Council
Taxpayers
(ACT) ....
Whilst considering a new name not too
far removed from the old one, the
constitution was also revised. This
process too, was forced upon the
Association by the refusal of the
Council to allow CTA representation on
Salisbury City Committee because the
organisation was “political”. Unlike
many of the other organisations invited
to join the City’s “Parish Council”,
ACT had no representation in the form
of a delegate. The only reason for such
a spurious excuse for rejection must
surely have been the fear of having a
strongly supported and organised
opponent to some of the more
spendthrift plans of the
administration! That died with the
revision of local government.
The new constitution has ceased to
associate its councillor members as
sponsored or let themselves be
described as ACT councillors. We have
no longer have any anyway! Just as many
other non-political organisations do,
we will encourage and advise respected
prospective councillors provided that
they will be independent of any
political persuasion.
ACT will continue to be the leading
force in the protection of the
interests of Salisbury District
electors but that depends upon the
support it receives from members and
the public. It can operate effectively
if just a small fraction of the 450+
members are prepared to help in some
way. For most it means an hour or so
three or four times a year but we also
need others to watch various aspects of
Council functions, investigate reports
and check regulations. We have been
challenged by barristers for not
reacting to one area of council
activities when our resources were
totally engaged on another! Just a few
people prepared to spend a little time
to keep us on track are needed to
fulfil our role.
It can often be interesting, sometimes
amusing, but it will certainly be
rewarding and membership costs
ridiculously little for a year. Join
us – please!
# Details via our Email address
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