Draft:Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed

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Last edited by Poolie1964 (talk | contribs) 30 days ago. (Update)

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Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed

"Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed" is a prominent group primarily publishing its work on Facebook & is dedicated to scrutinizing the activities, decisions, and policies of Hartlepool Borough Council.

The platform is for local residents to share information, express concerns, and engage in discussions regarding the governance of Hartlepool, a town in County Durham, England.

History

The group was founded in [2018] by [James Barker], a journalist & former local government officer, who became concerned about High Council Taxes, a lack of local services, as well as a transparency and accountability within the local Borough Council.

Initially created as a small forum for like-minded individuals, it quickly gained traction and grew into a significant community hub.

The Group then ceased its operations in 2022 with the sites editor citing "health reasons" for his departure, relaunching again in 2023 as ‘The New Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed’ following increased public support for the group to continue.

Mission and Objectives....

The primary mission of Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed is to foster transparency, accountability, and open dialogue regarding the council’s operations. Its key objectives include:

• Monitoring Council Activities: Keeping a vigilant eye on council meetings, decisions, and expenditures. • Promoting Transparency: Ensuring that the council operates in a transparent manner, with clear communication to the public. • Encouraging Public Participation: Engaging local residents in the political process by providing a platform for discussion and debate. • Highlighting Issues: Bringing attention to issues and grievances that may be overlooked by mainstream media.

Activities Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed is involved in various activities, including:

• Information Sharing: Posting updates, documents, and news related to the council's activities. • Public Forums: Hosting discussions and debates on key issues affecting the Hartlepool community. • Campaigns and Petitions: Organizing campaigns and petitions to address specific concerns or to demand action from the council. • Investigative Reporting: Conducting independent investigations and reporting on matters of public interest.

Impact

The group has had a significant impact on the local political landscape, including:

• Increased Awareness: Raising awareness about the council's decisions and their implications for the community. • Enhanced Accountability: Pressuring council members to act more responsibly and transparently due to public scrutiny. • Community Mobilization: Mobilizing the community to participate in local governance through protests, petitions, and active engagement in council meetings.

Controversies

Despite its positive impact, Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed‘s not been without controversy.

Critics argue the group sometimes promotes a negative view of the council, potentially leading to public distrust. Additionally, debates within the group can occasionally become heated, reflecting deep-seated frustrations among residents.

In July 2023, its claimed its Editor & Founder James Barker was reportedly ‘arrested’ at his home address in Hartlepool & Charged with numerous public order Offences, including Harassment & Malicious Communications. The charges were made in relation to a report published earlier that year regarding alleged activities regarding the Councils Chief Finance officer & Assistant Chief Solicitor.

The Charges were eventually dropped, where its claimed Mr Barker is said to be pursuing numerous legal avenues, regarding allegations of ‘Malicious Prosecution’ & Unlawful Arrest by Cleveland Police, a move Mr Barker claims was in response to the groups "Growing Popularity".....

The Council's Chief Finance Officer Chris Little reportedly then resigned from the Authority just months after the allegations against Mr Barker were brought...

Membership and Participation

Membership to the group is open to anyone with an interest in the governance of Hartlepool. The group maintains a set of rules to ensure respectful and constructive dialogue, and administrators (believed to be former council employees & activists) actively moderate discussions to maintain order.

Future Goals

Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed reportedly aims to:

• Expand Membership: Continue growing its member base to include a more diverse range of voices from the community. • Strengthen Influence: Enhance its influence on local governance by collaborating with other community organizations and stakeholders. • Promote Civic Education: Educate residents about their rights and the workings of local government to encourage informed participation.

Conclusion

Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed plays a vital role in the local community by promoting transparency, accountability, and active public engagement.

Despite its criticism its claimed the group is 'a critical platform' for ensuring that Hartlepool Borough Council remains answerable to the people it serves.

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References

https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk