Call to give councillors more say on big project spending

THE leader of the opposition in Swansea said councillors should have more of a say in how millions of pounds is spent on projects.

- RICHARD YOULE Senior local democracy reporter

Swansea's new arena had £22.85 million of city deal money.

(RIBA/RSAW/HUFTON+CROW)

Cllr Chris Holley said he felt elected members weren't involved enough as reports seeking approval for new capital expenditure or amendments to existing capital schemes went before cabinet not full council.

These documents, known as financial procedure rule 7 (FPR7) reports, often contain commercial information so are discussed in closed session in cabinet or scrutiny meetings.

Cllr Holley, the leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition group, made the call for more councillor decision-making in a meeting of full council on December 4. “That's all we are asking for,” he said.

Council leader Rob Stewart, who has overseen a major programme of regeneration schemes in Swansea like the indoor arena, said it had always been the case that FPR7 reports went to cabinet. “It’s for the administration to decide how these capital monies are allocated,” he said.