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Kenilworth and Southam Liberal DemocratsLocal party for Kenilworth & Southam constituency |
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Liberal Democrats Highlight County Council Secrecy
January 15, 2008 5:44 PM
The County Council have refused to reveal the likely cost of refurbishing the County Council council chamber at County Hall, Warwick . A freedom of information request on the costs by Stratford District Councillor Peter Moorse was rejected with a 'Public Interest Refusal Notice'.
Proposals for refurbishing the council chamber were discussed in a County Council meeting on 30th October 2007. The part of the meeting that discussed the council chamber was held in secret session. Attempts by the Lib Dems to open the meeting to the public, proposed by Cllr David Booth (Lib Dem Kineton) were voted down by the Conservatives. The Lib Dems also proposed a maximum limit on spending of half a million pounds, but this was again voted down by the Conservatives.
'Residents will be surprised at the claim that it is not in the public interest for them to know the cost of refurbishing the council chamber. After all, it's their money,' said Cllr Peter Moorse .
Nigel Rock (Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Kenilworth and Southam) said 'It is astonishing that the County Council wants to hide this information - certainly it against the spirit of the Freedom of Information Act. It is ironic that the Conservatives want to hold discussions in secret, for a room that should be the seat of democratic and open debate.' Nigel Rock is also District Councillor for Stockton and Napton.
At the same time Cllr Moorse questioned the County Council decision to cancel the usual public meeting to consult residents over the Council Tax. 'It's almost as though the Tories didn't want people to know what's going on', he added.
More information:
Warwickshire County Council minutes for 30/10/07 (on website):
Item 10 for proposal to hold in open session
Item 12 (C) for proposal to spend maximum of £500,000
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