Wakefield Lib Dems call in Ridings demolition decision

On the 26th of February, Wakefield Lib Dem council group leader Councillor Rachel Speak, as a member of the council's regeneration scrutiny committee, successfully “called in” the decision by the Labour council cabinet to demolish the Ridings shopping centre. She was supported by Lib Dem deputy group leader Councillor Adele Hayes and several other opposition councillors.

At the meeting of the regeneration scrutiny committee on the 11th of March, Councillor Speak presented her case, outlining the concerns around transparency, the impact on residents and businesses, and the need for clearer information before such a major step is taken. The committee agreed to refer the plan back to the cabinet to think again.

Cllr. Speak said: “Scrutiny exists to ensure decisions are properly examined and that the voices of residents are heard. I’m proud to have been able to stand up for our community and make sure these questions are properly considered. Thank you to the fellow councillors who supported the call-in and process and to the many residents and businesses who shared their views with me in the lead up to today’s meeting. This is exactly how local democracy should work.”

Lib Dem councillors were able to bring a rare moment of real democracy to Wakefield Council. However, when the issue came back to the cabinet, Labour ignored our concerns, and did not allow any alternative recommendations to be made. Cllr. Speak added: “We asked to speak at Cabinet. We’ve been refused. Let’s be clear about what happened: Scrutiny was signed off by the Chair 48 hours after the meeting. We were not given the opportunity to make any recommendations. The pink papers (financial details) were requested to be discussed — and weren’t. Members were limited in questioning. And now, just days later, the report is back before Cabinet. This is not how proper scrutiny should work. This is not transparent. And it does not give confidence that this decision has been fully or fairly examined. We will continue to challenge this and stand up for residents and businesses across our district.”