Councillors ‘need more say over capital 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.

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Cllr Chris Holley said he felt elected members were not 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. “That's all we are asking for,” he said.

Council leader Rob Stewart, who has overseen a major programme of regeneration schemes in Swansea such as 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.

The Swansea Labour leader said he was more than happy to attend scrutiny sessions to answer questions and added that FPR7 reports were circulated to councillors.