Parties criticise suspension of scrutiny meetings

Opposition parties on Sandwell Council have accused the new Reform administration of a lack of transparency by suspending all scrutiny meetings until the autumn.

Removing the hold-to-account meetings "weakens our democracy and risks decisions being made without proper examination", Green group leader John Tipper said.

Independent councillor Richard Jeffcoat and Labour opposition leader Paul Moore said the move was a step backwards given the last meetings were in March and one was not now planned until September.

The BBC has contacted Reform and the council for a response.

In a joint statement, the councillors said that while they stood ready to work constructively with the new administration, "effective cooperation must include proper scrutiny arrangements to ensure decisions are open, transparent, and in the best interests of Sandwell residents".

"Suspending all scrutiny until September leaves residents without the transparency they deserve," added Moore, leader of the Labour opposition.

"We will continue to push for proper oversight and responsible decision-making, because the people of Sandwell expect and deserve nothing less."

Tipper said: "Good governance relies on open debate, challenge, and public scrutiny.

"Removing those safeguards for months at a time weakens our democracy and risks decisions being made without proper examination."

Jeffcoat added that pausing scrutiny meetings for an entire summer was a step backwards and "whatever our political differences, councillors share a duty to the people of Sandwell".

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