A council has been labelled the “worst in Northern Ireland” by its own CEO during a meeting about its new rubbish collection policy.
Concerns were also raised at the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) meeting over a proposal that the discussion be held in confidential session - or ‘committee’.
The plan which sparked concerns was that the ‘Kerbside Collection Full Business Case’ be heard behind closed doors “due to it containing information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person”.
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However, opposing councillors argued that the policy matter should be open to the public and press as they had “nothing to hide”.
Lisburn South DUP Alderman, Paul Porter said: “I would like to question what reasons there are for going into committee. The single biggest issue that any council will face is bin collection. Members still have questions over the business case.
“We need to debate the new policy, what it is and who supports it. Why does it need to be in confidential? People will be asking are they (council) trying to keep things from us?
“I know that is not the case. But the policy for this should be in a public forum.
“Would councillors then be in breach if they tell the public how they have voted during confidential session. We all know what the change of policy is. We are now conflating policy and business case.”
In response CEO David Burns said: “What is listed for debate is the business case and the financial decisions that must be made. This is a significant investment by the council.
“I do get that members would like more transparency for the public. But we are entering into a tendering process. We could redact parts of the report. There could also be an extended, robust minute. The draft minutes will be before us in a few days for discussion. We can’t separate policy from the business case.
“We have been kicking this matter down the road since 2017, we are the worst in Northern Ireland in terms of making a decision on this matter.”
The call for public transparency on rubbish collection grew in the LCCC full council chamber leading to the first citizen stepping in.
DUP Mayor Scott Carson said: “I call for order, there is some talking and laughing going on in the chamber, this is not a laughing matter.”
However, a warning was expressed on the potential risk of matters continually being discussed away from the public.
Downshire West UUP Alderman, Jim Dillon added: “I have no doubt that financial matters need to be in confidential, as the facts and figures at this stage may not be up to date.
“However, the policy should be open, we have nothing to hide. The more secret we are the more inquisitive they (public) will be.”
The vote to bring the kerbside collection item into confidential session was agreed with Castlereagh South independent councillor, Nathan Anderson dissenting on record.
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