Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Is this 'open decision making'?

My thanks to those of you that have contacted me about my letter in the Wiltshire Times.

The issue of non-pensionable honoraria and Kennet District Council is something which will, I hope, get the full public exposure it deserves. I have already posted stories about it on this site on the 21st and 25th of March.

As the report I have seen is marked 'Confidential' (and thus exempt from disclosure to either press or public under the Freedom of Information Act) I am in the awkward position of knowing why I feel that this matter should be discussed openly and in public, but forbidden from telling you why! If I revealed what the report says I would probably find myself hauled before the WC Standards Committee for breach of confidence and could find myself suspended from acting as your councillor or even disqualified.

I would imagine that a fair-minded member of the public would consider that, if the council wants this kept under wraps, then there is presumably something that someone, somewhere doesn't want you to know or to ask questions about.

As Francis Urquhart said in the TV series House of Cards, "You might well think that; I couldn't possibly comment."