Lib Dems call for public scrutiny of Civic decisions

12.10.05pm GMT Tue 5th Dec 2006

The site of the closed Guildford Civic Hall.

Liberal Democrat borough councillors have expressed grave concerns that vital decisions on the new Civic Hall project are being taken behind closed doors, with the Council displaying muddle and confusion about the process.

Last week's decision about the appointment of architects for this important project was apparently made by a panel of officers, external consultants and a single Conservative councillor, and then presented as a 'fait accompli' to the Council's Executive committee, even though the council's own press release said it was an Executive decision. The decision to authorise sale of a lease on part of the Civic site for a hotel development was also intended to be taken behind closed doors, until the report was leaked to local businessman Michel Harper. Lib Dem councillors have also pointed out that the council's 'Major Schemes' budget for this year does not include the cost of the new architectural contract.

Cllr Vivienne Johnson, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Property, said "There is all-party agreement that we want Guildford to have its Civic Hall back as soon as possible, so it's vital the Council gets its decisions right. The muddle and confusion about these latest issues does not inspire confidence. Wrong decisions now could lead to financial chaos, legal problems and even more delay. Decisions should be made in the open and subject to public scrutiny, not behind closed doors."

At the meeting of full Council on Thursday, Cllr Johnson will seek clarification about the Civic costs muddle. She will ask a formal question of the Conservative Lead Councillor for Procurement, to make sure all the expected costs and processes in the Civic project are publicly known, including work to date, the recent appointment of architects, the design-and-build contract to follow, and the cost of fitting out. With inflation on construction costs currently 6-7% per year, Cllr Johnson also seeks assurances that the risks of escalating construction costs have been accounted for.

In her role as Chair of the Council's Community Development Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Johnson has 'called-in' the hotel decision. At the Scrutiny Committee's meeting on 18 January there will be a debate in public about the issues involved in such a sale, which include the consequences for the provision of parking and affordable housing on the Civic site. The Committee may either confirm the Executive's decision or require the Executive to reconsider.

Cllr Johnson said "So far the public have not had a chance to consider the detailed consequences of allowing this significant hotel development on part of the Civic site, as the report to the Executive was intended to be confidential. I will ensure the report to the Scrutiny Committee contains as much information as possible, omitting only the commercially-sensitive details. Mr Harper or any other member of the public will be most welcome to come and present their views to the Committee."