Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Lib Dems call for fewer council meetings to be kept secret

May 31, 2007 12:33 PM

West Berkshire's Liberal Democrats are calling for secret meetings to be held in public. The call follows an escalation in the number of public interest issues discussed behind closed doors. These include the new 25 year waste contract, and plans for the rebuild of St Bart's School, Newbury, which were discussed last Thursday in a meeting which purposefully excluded press and public.

Councillor Royce Longton, who shadows the waste portfolio, has voiced concerns that these important discussions should be open to members of the public:

"Obviously we appreciate that financial details of any person or company should be kept private. However, it is unnecessary to conduct these meetings behind closed doors. It is certainly not in the public interest that their council is keeping important decisions from them. Waste collections were an important factor in the recent elections - people deserve to know if, for example, they can expect all plastics to be collected, or if their kitchen waste will be collected weekly. This is entirely reasonable and I am calling on the Tories to engage with the public on this important contract which will last for decades. I am also calling on them to hold these important meetings in public wherever possible, and to only exclude highly confidential information."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    westberkslibdems.org.uk/en/article/2007/082898/lib-dems-call-for-fewer-council-meetings-to-be-kept-secret
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    wbld.org.uk/a83zG

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your contact details, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    • If you agree, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image