Letters / What do candidates think about the trust?
The charity regulator’s decision to ignore the views of the people of Shetland is entirely unsurprising: the changes to Shetland Charitable Trust proposed by the ‘Undemocrat’ majority were not illegal (Regulator approves charitable trust reform; SN, 06/04/17)
. No-one ever said this backward step was against trust law.
That is not the point. Establishing a permanent majority of self-selecting worthies is legal but it is not wise, democratic or in the interests of the 23,000 people whose £250m oil fund the trust controls.
What is interesting is that the remaining trustees have just acquired the power to change the trust deed again, without asking OSCR. This means that, legally, they are now the only people who can restore the trust to democratic control, by deciding to hold direct elections for future trustees.
I hope the voters of Shetland will now ask all candidates in the forthcoming council election to say whether they wish to see a self-perpetuating clique on the trust or a directly elected majority of trustees.
I understand that all three of the unopposed candidates in Shetland South ward want a democratic trust. If a majority of the councillors to be elected on 4th May hold the same opinion, then perhaps the Undemocrats at the trust can be persuaded to do what is just, fair and reasonable. I hope so.
Jonathan Wills
Bressay
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
