The Union complains about student apathy and a lack of interest in the student body, yet this proposal would attempt to push almost all power into the hands of a dozen players. Essentially, Mandy suggests that the more places new proposals are discussed, the better. This is not an attempt to concentrate all power into one committee it s an attempt to of decentralise it. He also notes that, back in his day, the Union Admin budget was sent to the Executive for approval, before going to UFC which was a good way of ensuring a fairer division of funds between club and non-club activity. David Roberts notes his concern that this approach would make Exec far too finance-orientated, despite the fact that student welfare, not finance, should not be the Union s primary concern.
Council decides to vote on the issue in two parts.
Making the Trading, Services and Retail Committees report to the Executive is passed overwhelmingly. Giving the Executive overall financial responsibility for the Union is passed by a majority of 11-7. David Roberts presents his paper, as tabled. Etienne notes that, in light of Felix s exceedingly poor financial performance last year, he has introduced a system whereby he has to sign-off an order to print Felix every week. Pascale Taylor suggests that the Union should be able to control Felix s finances, but not its content.