West Berkshire Council has been accused of trying to manipulate the democratic process by scheduling a debate on the Newbury pedestrianisation scheme for the same day it will publish the public consultation results.
The Conservatives have challenged the Liberal Democrat administration after a new Forward Plan item appeared on Tuesday (April 14).
They say publishing the results on the day of an extraordinary meeting they've called for May 14 will severely limit time for scrutiny and public debate.
"The sudden appearance of the consultation outcome - coming on the heels of the earlier suppression of the report leaked to the Newbury Weekly News - has raised significant concerns about transparency and governance," said Ross Mackinnon (Con, Bradfield), Tory group leader.
An earlier leaked report pointed to a reduction in trade and raised accessibility concerns. The council says it delayed publication to include more up‑to‑date data once spring weather could be factored in.
Mr Mackinnon said: "Residents expect transparency and accountability, not decisions being pushed through at speed and out of sight.
"The way this has been managed gives the impression of a process designed to avoid challenge rather than welcome it.
"The administration must now explain, in full, why this timeline was chosen and who authorised a process that so clearly limits democratic oversight."
The Conservatives are demanding full transparency, adequate time to review papers and that future decisions of this significance get proper, timely scrutiny. The issue is due at the council's executive the week after the extraordinary meeting.
The extraordinary meeting follows the council's annual meeting on Thursday, May 14. Forward Plan item: https://decisionmaking.westberks.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=92983&PlanId=136&RPID=512332851
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
