The leader of North Yorkshire Council has dismissed a call to change the way decisions are made at the authority.
The council has been urged to move towards a modern committee system by Green Party councillors who say the style of governance is more democratic.
North Yorkshire Council currently use a leader-cabinet system, with the Conservative and Independents group, which has the majority of councillors, appointing a leader and members of an executive committee.
The executive then makes most decisions at monthly meetings,
Although these decisions are ratified by the full council, critics say the ruling group will always get its way because of its majority, with group meetings held before full council meetings to decide which way to vote.
Councillor Arnold Warneken, Green Party councillor for the Ouseburn division, has spoken out after 19 opposition councillors walked out of a full council meeting last month in protest at last-minute amendments announced by the executive without other members being notified in advance.
Cllr Warneken said this would not have happened using a modern committee system, with councils run by politically balanced committees.
The councillor says around 30 councils in England currently use the system.
He said:
“The Conservatives have been making all the decisions at North Yorkshire Council for more than 20 years.
“But it doesn’t have to be that way — all parties can be heard. We need to be making decisions out in the open, not behind closed doors.”
“Most people don’t realise that in local government, the people can demand a different style of governance that is more democratic.
“They can do that at any time – they don’t have to wait for an election. And we’re seeing that across the country – over 30 councils have already made the change.”
But in response Councillor Carl Les, the leader of the authority, said a system change was “often raised by minority parties who sought a larger voice than the election has provided them”.
He added:
“We should note that the Green group get a seat on every committee presently, other than the executive, which is much more numerate than their four out of 90 is proportionate.
“The executive system has been in place for nearly 25 years now, not just since 2014.”
Cllr Les said the current system replaced a committee system which was “cumbersome and bureaucratic, and slow at reaching decisions”.
He added:
“In the end whatever the Greens say, any decision will be made by majority vote
“If they want to change the system then they need to win more seats at an election, whereupon they can.
“In the meantime, there is nothing to stop them working with any group, including the majority group, to come up with ideas we can all support.”
Pick-your-own-flower attraction to open near Harrogate this weekend
North Yorkshire Council leader issues warning over larger police forces
Harrogate swim school teaches 2,500 children water safety
Great Yorkshire Show tickets now sold out
Ripon to continue culture plans after missing out on Town of Culture shortlist
New pay-as-you-go technology trialled on Harrogate trains
Harrogate care home named among best in UK
Harrogate Town defender signs for League One Bromley
Great Yorkshire Show: All the travel information you need
WATCH: Ripley school teacher wins end of term treat
Knaresborough vet welcomes prescription cap proposal
New operators for Knaresborough banking hub
'Morally bankrupt' Yorkshire Water bosses must go, says Harrogate MP
Harrogate friends to cycle 470 miles for brain tumour charity
Countdown legend brings 'Word Perfect' tour to Harrogate Theatre
Harrogate Town set for Boxing Day derby as fixtures revealed
Free Fuel Friday: Bilton woman is twelfth winner to claim full tank
New postcard celebrates Harrogate's bid to become UK's Town of Culture
Thieves attempt to break into garage at Harrogate home
Yorkshire Water urges customers to cut water use during heatwave
