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Local politicians as with the Westminster mobsters have exactly the same primary objective, and that is to enrich themselves. It's why up and down the land local authorities of whatever make-up implement dutifully cuts to services to neighbours in their communities. The one saving none of them have or will ever make is to their pay and expenses because sharing the pain doesn't feature in their philosophy.
I read an article years back that said much of the behaviour of politicians both local and national is entirely explained by the way the system incentivises them.
For an MP they are incentivised to rise up the party, become a minister or shadow minister and try to get re elected.
As such we see politics dominated not by what is actually good for the population, but what will play out well to the population, especially in the 18-24 months before an election.
I think we need to completely reform the 2 chambers to try to encourage longer term improvement, not just getting to the next election.
Not exactly sure how, but perhaps MPs could receive a flat rate of pay, but with potential bonuses based on the longer term effects on any policies they have implemented. 5 or 10 years down the line you can see the effect of their policy and whether they should get a payout.