Calls for Greater Transparency in Council Operations

A councillor has raised concerns about the transparency levels of the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, emphasizing the need for more openness in decision-making processes.

Transparency Issues
The councillor highlighted that an entire council agenda was discussed in a 'confidential session', bringing into question the extent of public engagement with council matters. Concerns were expressed regarding the limited visibility of the reports under discussion.

Call for Action
The councillor emphasized the importance of live democracy debates accessible to the public and urged for a reevaluation of the current practices around confidential sessions. The move towards live streaming all meetings online was previously supported by the council, signaling a potential shift towards more transparent governance.

Public Engagement
The need for increased public visibility into council proceedings was reiterated by another independent representative, emphasizing that the community deserves insight into decision-making processes and the business conducted during council sessions.

Balancing Act
While financial matters necessitate confidentiality, the councillor acknowledged the importance of striking a balance between transparency and the protection of sensitive information. Efforts to enhance public access to non-sensitive reports were encouraged, aiming to foster greater trust and engagement between the council and the community.

Stay updated with the latest developments by visiting the council's official website.