Hard on the heels of its decision to hide information about the work rate of individual Councillors, the York Council has now refused to reveal the costs of yesterdays Lord Mayors luncheon.
A citizen posted a series of questions under Freedom of Information rules which would have revealed which Councillors paid for their own meals at the exclusive Star Inn the City restaurant following the Guildhall event.
The request has been refused because of the “the context, history, purpose and impact of your requests and contact with and about the council, its officers and particular Councillors, the information that has already been made public regarding the Lord Mayors lunch and the fact that you are aware of where council expenditure will be published”.
While the Council may find the particular citizens dogged pursuit of wrongdoing an irritant, it is not a reason to suppress facts in which there is a public interest.
Nor has the Council yet explained why it publicly claimed that the event could not take place in the traditional Assembly Rooms venue “because it was unavailable due to repair works”
It subsequently transpired that the Assembly Rooms will continue to operate as a normal dining venue until at least July.
Those Councillors who have made a contribution towards the costs of the event – or made a charitable donation in lieu – would be wise publicise the fact.
In the meantime the York Council should come out from behind its barricades and provide more citizen engagement than can be achieved by some ritual flag waving.
NB. Total direct costs of Lord Mayors Day – including refreshments – are normally around £6000