WHAT PRICE DEMOCRACY? - An Open Letter From Paul Morse

12.00.00am GMT Tue 3rd Nov 2009

Dear Sir or Madam

There is an inaccuracy in the above report in your 2 November edition. John Dobson's motion was not carried unanimously. Mervyn Scutter, James Joyce (both Liberal Democrats), Andrew Boswell (Green) and George Nobbs (Labour), all voted against; as Chair, I did not vote.

The Liberal Democrats believe the matters raised in John Martin's paper should be scrutinised, though whether Cabinet Scrutiny Committee (CSC) is the right forum is debatable. In particularly, we wonder how some Councillors find the time to fulfil all the roles that they receive allowances for. As a party we have nothing to fear from such scrutiny.

As Chair of CSC I have to act in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the Committee. I must though express my dismay that Mr Martin was barred from speaking. Norfolk County Council is supposed to be a public facing organisation and as such should be prepared to listen to its residents.

Yours faithfully

Paul Morse

Chair Cabinet Scrutiny Committee

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group