Liberal Democrats say; "Let the people of Derby speak!" (Derby City Liberal Democrats)

Derby City Liberal Democrats <info@derbycitylibdems.org.uk>

Liberal Democrats say; "Let the people of Derby speak!"

November 17, 2006 7:57 PM

Democracy is under attack in Derby. The leader of the ruling Labour/Conservative alliance is trying to reduce the public's chance to question Council bosses.

Derby Liberal Democrats condemn moves by the Council to reduce the public's opportunity to question Councillors. Councillor Chris Williamson, leader of Derby's ruling Labour/Conservative alliance wants to ban members of the public from asking supplementary questions at Council meetings.

At present local people can ask members of the Labour/Conservative cabinet questions at Council meetings by giving over one weeks notice. If the questioner doesn't think they have had a proper answer from the cabinet member they can ask a "supplementary" question. These supplementary questions are now to be banned by the council.

Hilary Jones Leader of Derby Liberal Democrat Councillors said "This is a direct attack on democracy in Derby. It is just another example of how the Labour/Conservative alliance is trying to remove opposition to their rule.

"When the alliance took power they blocked Lib Dems from holding many positions on the Council, in an effort to stop them opposing Labour and Tory bosses."

Cllr Lucy Care added "We intend amending this proposal so that people can still ask supplementary questions.

"I know from my own period as a Cabinet member that supplementary questions require councillors to think on their feet. Maybe this is too challenging for Labour, which is why they want to change it.

"This is an example of the difference between the talk and the action of this Labour-led Council. They talk about empowering local people, for example through an area and neighbourhood agenda, but what they actually do is restrict how people can get involved through petty changes like this".