A VARIETY of subjects have been suggested for referendums which are being planned by Cornwall Council – including whether the authority should axe its chief executive.

Last week council chief executive Kevin Lavery suggested next year's police commissioner elections could provide an opportunity for the council to hold public votes on important issues.

The chief executive said holding a one-off referendum could cost up to £1 million, but holding them alongside other elections could reduce the cost considerably.

Mr Lavery suggested votes could be taken on whether the council take control of the A30 and A38, whether it should introduce bursaries for higher education or if the council tax discount for second homes should be scrapped.

Suggestions

We asked readers for their suggestions for referendums.

Barry Thomas, from Redruth, suggested that the public should be given the chance to vote on whether to keep Mr Lavery in employment.

He said: "I consider a referendum should be held to ask whether it is necessary to have a chief executive.

"I would like to bet my next year's pension that everyone would say it's not necessary to have a chief executive in the Cornwall Council. Wiltshire council has discovered it's not necessary, and so should we.

"Let's get this referendum running immediately. Mr Lavery's (£200,000) salary can then be used to employ four or five gainfully employed clerks if needed."

Another suggestion came from Jim Johnston, who posed this referendum question: "Do the people of Cornwall want an incinerator? Or should we find another way?"

Do you think Cornwall Council should hold referendums on important issues? Which issues would you like to vote on? Send your suggestions to rwhitehouse@c-dm.co.uk.