A ROW has broken out in a Northumberland town over whether a meeting to discuss transfer of services between councils should be held in public.
Northumberland County Council and Haltwhistle Town Council are to meet to discuss whether the latter might take on responsibilities currently performed by the former.
The meeting is one of many the county is holding with town and parish councils across Northumberland on the issue of service transfer.
The Haltwhistle council originally agreed that the matter be “part of the monthly town council” meeting, at which all members, the public and press could attend. However, it has since agreed that the discussion should involve only the town council’s chairman and clerk.
The change of heart has come about following an email sent by the county council in which it says “although the council would not wish to exclude anyone, this is not a public debate as such”.
It continues “indeed, all other meetings held with parish councils have been informal and only with county and town/parish councillors in attendance, along with the relevant officers from Northumberland County Council.”
The situation has angered Haltwhistle resident Kevin Little, who was at the town council meeting when the change of heart was agreed.
The self employed contractor raised a point of order, claiming the council’s previous decision stood for six months and could not be overturned.
Mr Little has also questioned the county council’s claim that all other meetings with parish and town councils have been effectively private.
He is aware of several such meetings which have taken place or been arranged, at which the discussion of the issue has been or is to be in a public session.
Mr Little said: “What makes Haltwhistle so different? If they had them at council meetings which are by definition open to the public in the North of the county, why is not the same for Haltwhistle?
“Why would you not want people to be there? It is our services.
“If they are going to change the services or who pays for them or who delivers them, at what point are they going to consult the public?”
Last night, a county council spokesman said the “vast majority” of the meetings have been an “informal, open and constructive chat” involving only the authority’s executive members, appropriate officers and the chairman and clerk of the town or parish council.
However, she added there have been “some cases” where the matter has been debated by the full council.
The spokeswoman said it is “up to the parish or town council” and that if “they want the public there, we are comfortable with it.”
She added: “We are transparent, we have got nothing to hide.”
