Key Takeaways:
- Kent county council has been accused of trying to block scrutiny after refusing to produce evidence of claimed savings from cancelled environmental projects.
- The council initially claimed to have saved £40m by cancelling two projects that did not exist yet, but has since delayed releasing documentation to support this claim.
- Labour MP Polly Billington has been seeking the information through freedom of information (FoI) requests since July, but has been met with delays and a lack of transparency from the council.
- The council has denied any suggestion of a cover-up, but has faced criticism for its handling of the situation and its commitment to transparency.
Introduction to the Controversy
The Reform-run Kent council has found itself at the center of a controversy surrounding its handling of freedom of information (FoI) requests. The issue began when the council’s leader, Linden Kemkaran, claimed that the authority had saved £40m by cancelling two environmental projects that did not yet exist. This prompted Labour MP Polly Billington to submit an FoI request seeking documentation to support this claim. However, the council has since delayed releasing the information, citing a lack of detailed business cases for the projects.
The Freedom of Information Request
Billington’s initial FoI request was submitted in July, seeking documents that would outline how the council had calculated the claimed savings. The council’s response in August stated that the only available information was two lines in a budget document, and that no business cases had been completed for the projects as they were only potential and had not been formally agreed. Billington disputed this response, arguing that it was "not plausible" that no other documents or emails about the projects existed. She has since written several more times to the council, demanding that the information be released and threatening to take the case to the information commissioner’s office.
The Council’s Response
The council has denied any suggestion of a cover-up, stating that it takes its responsibilities under FoI laws seriously. A spokesperson for the council explained that the claimed savings "relate to forward-looking assumptions within the capital programme rather than approved or committed schemes". The spokesperson also stated that the cancelled projects were "indicative" and thus did not have detailed business cases. Despite this, the council has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with Billington accusing the council of trying to block scrutiny and prevent the truth from being released.
The Broader Context
The controversy surrounding the FoI request is not the only challenge that the council has faced in recent months. Since Reform took over in May, the council has experienced a turbulent period, with several councillors being suspended or expelled. In October, five Reform councillors were suspended by the party after a leaked video showed them complaining about "backbiting" and being told by Kemkaran to "fucking suck it up" if they did not agree with her decisions. This has led to questions about the council’s commitment to transparency and its ability to effectively govern.
The Implications of the Controversy
The controversy surrounding the FoI request has significant implications for the council’s reputation and its relationship with the public. The delay in releasing the information and the lack of transparency have led to accusations of a cover-up, which could damage the public’s trust in the council. Furthermore, the council’s handling of the situation has raised questions about its commitment to transparency and accountability. As Billington stated, "When I submitted this transparency request all I wanted was a bit of honesty from Reform UK that the supposed savings from these energy efficiency projects wasn’t all that was claimed."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the FoI request has highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in local government. The council’s delay in releasing the information and its lack of transparency have led to accusations of a cover-up, which could have significant implications for the council’s reputation and its relationship with the public. The council must take steps to address these concerns and demonstrate its commitment to transparency and accountability. As the council has stated, it will release the information to Billington by the end of the week, which will provide an opportunity for the council to clarify its position and provide the necessary documentation to support its claims.