Gateshead Council's full council meetings are now capped at a maximum of two hours, a move driven by the ruling Reform UK group to reduce what it calls 'waffle' during debates. The change, approved on a vote by the Reform majority, also shifts meeting start times from 2:30pm to 4:30pm, aiming to accommodate councillors who balance public duties with employment.
Reform UK motion passes despite opposition
The time-limit proposal was challenged by Labour, Green, and Liberal Democrat opposition councillors, who argued it would curtail democratic scrutiny. Liberal Democrat Councillor Dawn Welsh supported the later start time but opposed the arbitrary cap, stating: 'Changing the start time may strengthen democracy; however, restricting the time available for scrutiny unquestionably weakens it.' Labour opposition leader Councillor John Adams added: 'We do not think council business should be put on a stopwatch.'
Council defends conciseness
Deputy council leader Councillor Fiona Pearce defended the cap, saying: 'I can clarify that we don’t fear debate on this side of the chamber, but we fear waffle. Why say something in 100 words when it can be said in 10,000? There is nothing wrong with being concise and succinct.' She noted that existing speaking limits already constrain contributions, and the two-hour cap simply encourages efficiency. Pearce also pointed to scrutiny committees as alternative venues for detailed oversight.
A Liberal Democrat amendment to remove the time limit was defeated by the Reform majority, and the original motion was voted through. The change applies to all full council meetings moving forward.
