Democratic Deficit

Democratic Deficit

Exeter City Council governance review postponed for seventh time

A major review of Exeter City Council governance, which has already been postponed six times and was not expected to address the issues it raises until July, making it nine months late, has now disappeared from the council’s forward plan altogether.

Council leader “chooses” not to follow Local Government Association guidance

When asked at April’s meeting of Exeter City Council why it does not follow Local Government Association guidance which explicitly advises against the council leader and planning portfolio holder sitting on the planning committee to avoid conflict of interest risks, council leader Phil Bialyk said: “I choose not to follow the guidance”.

City council governance review delayed

Exeter City Council has postponed a major review of its governance – which was already six months late – for the sixth time, and now won’t address the issues it raises until the end of July.

Exeter City Council in session at Exeter Guildhall

Exeter City Council’s approach to decision-making is damaging local democracy

Separation of powers and transparency provisions intended to safeguard public interest being subverted while council defies auditor over loss-making company.

City council again breaches local government transparency legislation

Exeter City Council has again breached local government transparency legislation by failing to give required notice of its intention to hold an Executive committee meeting in private.

City councillors low attendance at training sessions

Exeter City Council figures show low levels of attendance at councillor training sessions – fewer than half attended a local plan briefing and only a quarter turned up for a communications session – but near 100% participation in junkets at parks and waterways.

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