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’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.
Alphington “enhancements” will not mitigate traffic impact from massive South West Exeter extension
County council manipulates public consultation and allocates just 1% of £55 million grant to pedestrian scheme while spending 75% on new roads and increased road capacity for 3,500 new cars expected on greenfield housing estate.
