THE Lib Dem opposition on Warrington Borough Council is calling for changes and improvements to the way full Council meetings are run after issues at the Parr Hall on Monday evening.
It follows several problems, including campaigners calling to Save Woolston Neighbourhood Hub turning out in force, which didn’t show the Council off in its best light.
Group Leader Mark Browne said, “A large number of residents turned up to show their passionate support for keeping the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub open. Despite a request from the residents to bring the Woolston agenda item forward, this was turned down. We think this was most unfortunate and that it should have been brought forward out of respect for residents. As it was, they had to wait a long while before the item they had come for was considered, which did not go down well with them.
“Secondly there was confusion over the rules of debate and how amendments are handled. We all have a copy of debating procedure on our desks but this was not properly followed and there was confusion. Training is needed for all councillors so there is clarity about the correct procedure for debates, the difference between amended and altered motions and the timescale for putting forward changes.”
Deputy Group Leader Cllr Helen Speed added: “In the past questions from councillors were read out at meetings. A while ago, a sensible change was made that they should be taken as read to save time. On Monday one of the councillors (Rob Tynan Woolston) requested that he should be given time to read his question. This was allowed, which I think was wrong because it breaks the agreed rules and sets a precedent for others to request that they be allowed to read their question.
“Councillors are allowed to ask a supplementary question once the relevant Cabinet member has answered the original question printed in the Council summons. This must relate to the answer given and not introduce new matters. This is being abused and too often we hear long statements from councillors instead. This should be stopped.”
In response Council Leader Cllr. Hans Mundry said: ““At the Full Council meeting on Monday there was a lot of important business for councillors to consider on the night, and I am pleased that the Woolston Hub motion ultimately received an excellent level of discussion. I was also pleased to see so many people attend Monday’s meeting on what was a very important debate.
“I appreciate it was a long meeting, with a lot to discuss. We have already conducted a review of the meeting and will be looking at ways to ensure the meeting runs more smoothly in future.”
