After pulling away at the last minute from trying to censor what York citizens say at its meetings, the York Council last night failed to debate most of the items on its agenda.

After sailing through the early formalities, the Council became bogged down in debates about “joint authorities” and caravan site extensions.

Add in a bit of grandstanding, for the live web feed, and you have a recipe for muddle and confusion.

The Council didn’t even reach the controversial proposals to privatise York’s public conveniences. Major questions – on security, handing dangerous items like needles and the practicality of charging at night for the facilities – remain unanswered (or even unasked!).

The Council Leader managed to reply to only two of the questions tabled to him, with no time for a follow up challenge. (Credit where it is due, he has since provided written answers to others “on line”)

Other items – including a motion of “no confidence” – were voted on without discussion. What ever you may think of those involved, that is outrageously unfair.

In effect the inability of the York Council, to organise itself to debate issues, suggests that it has now become wholly dysfunctional.

It will increase calls for a return to the more discursive “committee system” which allows backbench Councillors – and residents – to make their points before issues reach a full Council, meeting.

In the meantime, the Group Leaders should ensure that each item on the agenda is allocated a “time slot”. The Chair of the meeting (the Lord Mayor) should limit contributions to the time available before taking any necessary vote and moving on.

In the past Group Leaders have nominated a speaker on each issue ensuring that there was a balanced debate. Each was given 3 minutes to make their points.

York residents will expect their representatives to find a solution to the procedural mess that has emerged.