At Wednesday evening’s Isle of Wight ‘Full Council’ meeting members will consider a motion calling for future votes made during meetings to be named votes.
The motion was put forward by Labour councillor, Geoff Lumley.
“For the furtherance of transparency”
He requests,
For the furtherance of transparency and accountability, this Council agrees that all votes be named votes, other than those relating to procedural matters relating to the conduct of the business of the meeting, and votes on whether to accept amendments to motions (unless 4 members demand in accordance with existing procedure rule 17(5)).
Cllr Lumley told OnTheWight,
“I am seeking to make Council voting more transparent and accountable to those that elect councillors – Islanders. No more hiding behind just the announced voting numbers.
“I am confident the ruling Independents will support me, as this fits with their own aspirations.”
Popular with residents?
In our experience of reporting from council meetings, it can often be hard to see who has voted for or against an item.
When reporting only the number of councillors for and against, we’re often asked by readers how their particular councillor voted, so this motion may turn out to be very popular with residents.
Image: Geek Calendar under CC BY 2.0
