Talking Politics column with Coun Ashley Evans: The more things change, the more they stay the same
In the run-up to last May’s all-out elections, I was pleased to see widespread recognition of the lack of transparency in CMBC’s administration, particularly the tendency to make decisions with little, if any, consultation with Calderdale residents.
In its early communications, the new administration acknowledged the problem, describing the council as having operated behind a “veil of secrecy”. However, as the saying goes, “the more things change, the more they stay the same”. Despite its promises, the new administration already faces questions about its own transparency. One of its first moves was to remove three of the four Scrutiny Panels, without any consultation, severely reducing the opportunities for councillors to assess performance and question policy effectiveness on behalf of Calderdale residents. A bit like ‘marking your own homework’!
Similarly, the Council website does not appear to publish public questions and answers from the previous Cabinet meeting or from any Full Council meetings held since the local elections in May. The most recent Full Council questions and answers available are from March 2026, under the previous administration.
It is also interesting to note that, under the new administration, public questions will only be answered at a meeting if presented in person. Previously they were read out if a person was unable to attend. This move makes public questions more difficult and the failure to publish the required information on time, or not at all, continues to limit transparency, undermining local democracy.
Readers may also be aware of the recent, potentially major, changes to the North Halifax Partnership [NHP] and Mixenden Activity Centre [MAC]. NHP are widely respected for their extensive, cost-effective and positive activity in North Halifax, providing services to benefit the whole community. Now, their funding is being ‘reviewed’ and their Community Asset Transfer bid has been ‘halted’. Justified by Calderdale’s new Leader claiming that “NHP failed to work with the community”. This is totally contrary to my experience of them over the last 15+ years with positive remarks from all and sundry. Also, I have been unable to find any reports on the business case presented by NHP or supporting evidence for these observations.
At a recent Safer Cleaner Greener meeting, it was clear that no consultation had taken place with long-established Outreach Groups, Youth Clubs and other Community Partners operating in the area. Neither had the Council been in contact about their futures, whilst Reform councillors at the meeting couldn’t enlighten them either. Understandably, this makes them feel undervalued and dispirited which, in turn, severely impacts their clients too.
At the very best, the handling of these proposed changes seems inept – at worst a political decision at the expense of the community that Cabinet and councillors are meant to serve.
At the same time, there is little if any evidence of a better, more cost-effective, alternative to provide for the needs of the community.
So, veil removed and increased transparency? I don’t think so!