Opposition councillors on South Cambridgeshire District Council have forced the Lib Dem run council to hold an extraordinary meeting after they refused to call one, blocking what the opposition describes as “basic democratic debate.”
Councillors had formally requested a meeting to discuss and debate what the council’s response is to the damning letter received from the Secretary of State who raised concerns over the Lib-Dem 4-day week policy - but their request was flatly rejected.
As a result, all Conservative and Independent councillors signed a requisition under Standing Order 3.1(v) of the council’s constitution, requiring the Chief Executive to call an extraordinary meeting.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Conservative Group said:
“It’s regrettable that we’ve had to drag the Lib Dems kicking and screaming to discuss this, but it’s the least our residents deserve. Let us be clear, residents have had no say in this, council staff have not decided this - the Lib Dems have inflicted this social experiment on us all, and in doing so have destroyed the council’s reputation and led to a complete breakdown of trust. It’s time for them to reflect on who it is that puts them where they are. They might have forgotten, but we haven’t.”
The extraordinary meeting will now take place on Monday 17th November at 18:00, where all councillors will finally be able to discuss the council’s response to the letter. The opposition councillors called for the full council meeting to ensure openness and transparency for the residents and ensure that the Lib Dem run administration is held to account. Members of the public will be able to attend or watch live online.
