Online query system at council 'just crackers'

COUNCILLORS in Northumberland have branded new rules around contacting council officers “crackers”.

- JAMES ROBINSON Local democracy reporter

Under a new policy, elected members have been encouraged to use the online members’ enquiry system rather than getting in touch with officers directly.

Northumberland County Council's top lawyer said the system was in place to avoid complaints by officers against councillors.

However, it has led to criticism from some members. In an email sent to all councillors by the director of law and seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, members were warned councillors had “no right” to issue “instructions or directions” to officers.

The director said he was reminding councillors to avoid “Unintended formal complaints of harassment or worse”.

He added that councillors did have a “right to information” but could not “interrogate” staff or “challenge policy”. He insisted that the members’ enquiry system was the “first point of contact”.

Long-serving councillor Steven Bridgett was unhappy with the changes, arguing he had built up strong relationships with council officials over the years.