My PC has gagged me

Question

I took an interest in the PC finances and asked questions relating to spending and their not following the Financial Regulations. The response was to apply Vexacious/Habitual Complainants policy in spite of the letter saying I was asking to many questions. They limited my contact with the Clerk to once per month. When my first question was to view the Parish financial records they refused to allow me by ignoring my request. There has now been a private meeting which removes my access to the clerk completely and unusually this was announced in the draft minutes on the website. I have tried to be reasonable but they do seem to resent any questions, it is like living in a banana republic.

I have spoken to the NAO about the Local Audit and Accounntability Act 2014, their response was that they have no enforcement powers and my only recourse is to the law. Has anyone been through this or can offer any advice. My MP has written to the PC and did not even get an acknowledgemnt.

Answer 1

You should contact the ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) www.ico.org.uk if you have a specific request for information the parish council holds or you think they hold.

Guide to Freedom of Information is usel to have a read through and you might want to forward a copy to you parish council.

There's a set process you have to go through which can take quite some time but it's worthwhile pursuing. I'm in the process of 5 complaints with my parish council the first of which dates back to December 2017. The ultimate sanction is that the clerk can be found in contempt of court.

Have your parish council published the Notice of Exercise of Public Rights which gives you a 30 day working period to view the previous year's accounts? If not notify your External Auditor. They don't have any powers to force them to publish this document but they are breaking the law if they don't. I was at the point of getting my solicitor to write a letter to my parish council when they capitulated and all the documents were made available. Be persistent!

Comments

The 30 day period ends in 7 days time. I know they will not relent and let me view them. I have applied to the Pro Bono Committee of the Bar counsel to see if a QC will take the case on to the High Court.