Transparency and Accountability

The next Labour Council will be the most open and transparent in the history of the borough

Exec member meetings are now available to the public to view online. Other issues to go to Policy Development Groups, represented by all groups. More Group Leaders meetings taking place.

We will open up key Council meetings to public questions, petitions and deputations.

Not yet progressed due to current length of council meetings. Review ongoing into arrangements for council meetings including Scrutiny committees.

A Labour Council will not seek to interfere in the political leadership of the Scrutiny process. All Scrutiny Chair and Vice Chair positions are within the remit of the major opposition group, with an expectation that they in turn treat any minor opposition groups with fairness on a pro rata basis.  

This pledge has been honoured.

We will not be afraid to seek the views of other interested parties on key issues and will ensure that key stakeholders and partners have places at the table at relevant Scrutiny Committees.

Work ongoing on review of Scrutiny process.

Labour will seek to gain employee representatives on the ‘Active Connected Prosperous Board’, Bolton Arena, Trust and Bolton Cares.   

Prioritising Bolton Cares for employee rep. ACP Board, now replaced with Bolton Vision, with the intention of an employee rep.

Some council services have been outsourced to other organisations, thus reducing democracy and accountability. We believe in publicly owned council services, so when the opportunity arises for the renewal of contracts, it is our intention to again provide these services directly through the council

Corporate Property services have now been brought back under Council control. Agency staff in waste management brought in house, and outsourced contracts for litter enforcement brought back in house.

This pledge can be fulfilled in any area whereby there are not additional costs, and the quality of service can be improved.