Liberal Democrats Highlight County Council Secrecy

3.45.34pm GMT Mon 21st Jan 2008

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 Lib Dem Councillors 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 Lib Dem Cllr Peter Moorse .

Jerry Roodhouse (Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for Rugby and County councillor for Eastlands and Hillmorton) said 'Lib Dems tried to get this into open session but it was voted down by both Labour and Tory alike. This is taxpayers money that the council is spending. Lib Dems also tried to have a limit on expenditure and this was also voted down by the Conservatives."

At the same time Liberal Democrats 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'.

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

Modified on behalf of Rugby Liberal Democrats from an original item by Kenilworth and Southam Liberal Democrats .