Purdah must not be used to stifle debate and avoid controversial discussions, say Greens
Green
Councillors have raised concerns over the use
of pre-election guidance known as ‘purdah’ after key proposals around
homelessness and climate change were pulled from the agenda of a planned
council meeting today.
Usual procedure grants political groups the opportunity to put forward
two proposals each – known as ‘notices of motion’ – for debate at a
meeting of Full Council. Yet the decision to pull all notices of motion
from the upcoming agenda means that planned items
on housing, ending ‘no fault’ evictions and supporting student demands
for climate action will no longer be considered by Councillors.
Greens say that plans to push ahead with the council meeting despite
removing Councillor proposals is an affront to democracy and have
expressed concern over the lack of remaining opportunity for the public
to hear important debate. The notices of motion scheduled
for 28th March would have been the last proposals to be considered under the current Labour Council leadership.
Convenor of the Green Group, Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty commented:
“We were only told that political proposals wouldn’t be allowed when we
had already gone through the usual process of submitting notices of
motion. Despite having the date of this meeting in the diary for months,
Labour took their eye off the ball and this
means key debates have now been pulled from this council meeting – the
last under the current Labour leadership.
“Greens had put forward for debate issues we know concern our
communities: proposing motions on ending no-fault evictions, boosting
support for our homelessness organisations, backing the demands of
students wishing to bring an end to runaway climate chaos.
We share the disappointment of our residents who were awaiting and
anticipating debate on these issues.
“Sadly we also find ourselves concerned about the timing of this move.
Unfortunately, this Labour Council has form when it comes to resisting
scrutiny – they have sought to minimise the number of questions allowed
at committee meetings, to restrict the nature
of public involvement and their previous leader Cllr Warren Morgan
frequently hinted at the need for a ‘behind closed doors’ cabinet system
of council decision making. Despite not being allowed for debate,
Greens will continue to champion the issues of climate
change and homelessness, critical issues for our city.” [1]
[1] https://www.brightonhovegreens.org/cllr-blog/2017/08/02/lets-keep-our-democratic-system/