Gateshead Council's Reform UK administration has strongly rejected allegations that it is restricting elected members' access to confidential reports, insisting that it is adhering to established procedures. The ruling group responded to accusations from Labour group leader John Adams, who claimed that Reform is "changing the rules" to prevent opposition and backbench councillors from viewing non-public documents, known as 'pink papers'. These reports typically contain legally, commercially, or personally sensitive information not intended for public disclosure.
Labour's accusations of secrecy
Labour group leader John Adams stated: "Under Labour, these papers were shared with opposition and backbench councillors. That meant decisions could be properly questioned, challenged and scrutinised. Now Reform are shutting the door." He argued that every councillor should play a role in scrutiny, questioning how they can evaluate decisions when the underlying documents are kept secret. Adams demanded: "What exactly are Reform hiding?" He described the change as "radical and anti-democratic," weakening openness, transparency, and accountability.
Adams also criticized Reform for blaming legal advisors, asserting that legal officers provide advice but elected leaders make decisions. He pointed out that neighbouring councils, including Reform-led Sunderland and Durham, trust their councillors with such information, asking why Gateshead is different. He pledged that if Labour regains control, it would reverse the policy and restore proper access and democratic scrutiny.
Council spokesperson's clarification
A Gateshead Council spokesperson explained that the council's constitution dictates that the vast majority of cabinet reports are published and available to both councillors and the public. Exemptions require strict criteria, and access to exempt reports is governed by regulations that generally restrict confidential papers to cabinet members. The spokesperson emphasized: "This position has not changed under the new political administration."
The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that under previous administrations, pink papers were shared more widely, but this practice was not in accordance with the constitution.
Reform UK's response
A Reform UK group spokesperson dismissed the allegations as fabricated, citing the council's constitution as the governing rule for access to information. They reiterated that most cabinet reports are publicly available and that exempt reports are handled according to established rules. The spokesperson stated: "Reform have changed nothing. All we have done at the suggestion of the chief legal officer is endorse the policy introduced by Labour themselves years ago. Coun Adams is fully aware of this, being a member of the same administration which introduced the rule." They condemned the claim as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and bring the council into disrepute.
