Officer out to quieten critics

Press, 25 May 1984, Page 5

Officer out to quieten critics

Many local authorities who have criticised the effectiveness of the Canterbury United Council have overlooked some of its advantages, according to its new chief executive, Mr Malcolm Douglass. In many instances it had been a case of “the pot calling the kettle black," he said yesterday.

Some of the critics themselves had not put enough effort into planning, and failed to take advantage of advice the United Council

could offer. Some authorities complained that their annual contributions to the United Council were too high. Demonstrating that they were getting value for money was one of the big tasks'facing Mr Douglass. “I can't say whether they have or haven't in the past, but there have been a lot of suspicions and apprehensions which will have to be overcome,” he said.

Mr Douglass, who has worked as a regional

planner and private consultant, took up his new position on April 2. Canterbury is the first United Council to appoint a chief executive, but Mr Douglass believes this will help its 19 member councils feel that they are contributing to an independent body. Lack of leadership in the United Council was given as a reason for appointing a chief executive, but Mr Douglass prefers to see his role as navigating and providing initiatives.

He hopes to convince local authorities that the United Council is not a third tier of local government, but a resource to help them. Personal contact with contributing authorities will be an important part of his work so that he can “tune into local needs” and adjust regional growth to this.

He said that the council must be able to produce practical and productive advice when the authorities needed it.