Committee carve-up riles LibDems
May 31, 2011 12:43 PM
No scrutiny for the Lib Dems - why?
Liberal Democrats were left fuming after last week's council annual meeting rubber-stamped removing them from all scrutiny committees.
The number of committee seats allocated to the Libdems has been cut from 7 to 3 following their loss of one councillor.
Cllr Cowan said 'While 3 is strictly our minimum allocation, it is not uncommon for significant groups - we poll around one vote in five, taking one year with another - to be given a place on most major committees. However, not only did the Tories give us the minimum, but we are not represented on any of the 3 scrutiny committees, despite the fact they are set up to give opposition groups a voice and provide a critical overview of the decisions being taken.'
As if this were not enough the Lib Dems were given no say at all in which committees they were allocated. 'This looks very much like trying to stifle opposition or critical reviews of the Tories performance.' Said Cllr Cowan. 'Given the problems with the new refuse system and the lack of progress on Splashlands and Hatfield Town Centre, there is a greater need than ever for an alternative voice that will represent the residents rather than the administration.'
Ends
For further information please contact Malcolm Cowan on 324 723
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