I think most people assume that all Councillors get the chance to have a vote on things that are happening in their patch.

Sadly, at Hampshire County Council, this isn’t often the case and even if you win an argument at a committee and the entire committee supports your view, it can still be ignored or overridden by just one person.

A prime example is the work that Cllr Jack Davies has been doing in Lymington, trying to support the local retailers and economy by giving motorists the chance to park in the High street, free of charge, for one hour.

The whole Council has listened to a deputation from the traders. The matter was discussed at a Scrutiny Committee and the change to the policy agreed by the majority (or all) of the members.

However, the Cabinet system the County Council runs under leaves it to just one person, the appropriate Cabinet member, to decide the issue. He declined to do what the local Councillor, the traders or the Scrutiny Committee wishes.

The issue has been “called in”, which is a device Lib Dem opposition members can use to have the matter reconsidered. The decision is very unlikely to change.