Labour Cabinet cancels meeting


Sefton's ruling Labour Cabinet have cancelled their meeting that was due to take place next Thursday. The reason given is that there are only two information items for consideration.

With large-scale cuts in the offing, including the threat to close Churchtown Library, there should be plenty for the Cabinet to discuss. We have to ask what are they trying to hide?

Lib Dem councillor Mike Booth, who represents Kew Ward, has done some digging. This is what Mike has to say:

"It seems to be the season for cancelling meetings. Sefton's website informed me this morning that the following meetings have been cancelled:

Site Visit for Overview and Scrutiny on 14th January CANCELLED

Licensing & Regulatory Committee on 14th January CANCELLED

Crosby Area Committee on 16th January CANCELLED

CABINET on 17th January CANCELLED

Sefton East Parishes Area Committee on 24th January CANCELLED

Most of the above committees only meet every 2 months. I find it hard to believe that members and officers cannot summon up enough business to fill an agenda.

I'm told that the Sefton East Parishes Area Committee has been rescheduled at a later time.

Area Committees are the only real forum where residents can raise questions and have them answered on the night. It's bad enough that they are now held every 2 months rather than the original monthly meetings. Cancelling such meetings without an explanation gives a poor representation of Sefton's apparent wish to consult with their residents."