Discussions about the failing Amey streetcare contract must be held in open session with the press and public present says Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr. Jeremy Hilton.

On Monday 23rd of July, the Audit and Governance Committee of Gloucester City Council will receive a report (agenda item 16) about the failing streetcare contract that it has with Amey PLC.

Currently it is planned to exclude the press and public.

The committee will receive a report into the reasons why 2,000 tonnes of recyclable waste went missing with a market value of £246,000.

Cllr. Jeremy Hilton (Lib Dem – Kingsholm & Wotton) said: 

“Today I have written to the chair of the Audit & Governance Committee, Cllr. Andrew Gravells (Con – Abbeydale).

“I have asked him to hold the discussion of the agenda item in open session. The press and public have a right to attend the meeting and hear the full story.

“The council mustn’t hold any secrets into the difficulties it is having with our streetcare contractors. If this were a problem of a council direct labour organisation then the matter would be discussed in public.

“I have read the report. I can see no reason to hold the discussion in secret session.

“The council must be open to public scrutiny. Hiding behind closed doors because it may cause political or personal embarrassment is unacceptable.”