COUNCILLORS have been warned to not abuse the new format of meetings that attracted huge criticism.
Executive cabinet members now get three minutes to outline their work with a further seven for questions.
However, at the first run at Tameside Council’s full meeting on Tuesday, July 15, the time limit was often broken.
Opposition members complained vociferously and even chair of council business, Labour Cllr Joe Kitchen, criticised them.
He said: “I’m disappointed far too many executive members went over three minutes.
“My strong advice is to you all, less talking and more answering. Seven minutes isn’t a lot but when you’re into it, it’s even less.”
Bringing in the new format did not go down well with Tameside Council’s opposition members.
Conservatives were deeply unhappy as they felt it was blocking democracy.
Cllr Liam Billington attempted to raise a point of order after it was decided there was not enough time for a second question to deputy leader, Cllr Andrew McLaren.
That was followed by a row between him and Cllr Kitchen, with a threat to have the meeting adjourned.
“You’re doing nobody any favours whatsoever,” Cllr Kitchen said. “Not even yourself.”
Cllr Billington added: “This format really isn’t working.
“I don’t mind how much time we spend on these things. These are issues which are important to our residents, but time shouldn’t be taken up by assistant cabinet members or chairs of scrutiny putting in planted questions.”
Cllr Kitchen will meet with Tameside Council’s leader, Cllr Eleanor Wills, and Conservative leader, Cllr Doreen Dickinson, to try and sort out future meetings.
“It’s very important that all members work together,” he added. “All members respect the code of conduct.
“I expect everybody, those asking and answering questions, to bear in mind other people may wish to speak and hear their questions and their answers.”
Cllr Dickinson, said: “I would welcome a meeting where we all work together to improve this system.”
Tameside Council’s meeting verged on farce when Labour Cllrs Barrie and Ann Holland complained they could not hear what was going on at Dukinfield Town Hall.
The former said: “I can assure you there’ absolutely nothing wrong with my ears but we’ve missed 50 per cent of what’s been said.
“I couldn’t hear a word of what Cllr Hugh Roderick said because of the acoustics. Either change the room around or move us to another room – or do it on Zoom.”
During Cllr Leanne Feeley’s segment, the latter complained: “We still can’t hear you.”
Cllr Kitchen replied: “I’m not happy that other members cannot hear at the back of the room, that is unacceptable.
“If people cannot hear, they cannot take part and that is unacceptable as well. We will address those issues and hopefully we can all work together.”
After hearing the complaints, Cllr Wills admitted in the meeting: “Perhaps it hasn’t been quite as smooth as we’d hoped.
“But we’re a very engaging, interactive cabinet and keen to deliver transparency and information and it’s a work in progress.”