Dudley UKIP group proposes free reign for councillors in controversial debates

Talks on issues such as the future of Dudley Hippodrome and the council's role in the West Midlands Combined Authority could become free of the party whip under the new plans.

Proposals, tabled by the UKIP group in Dudley, would see three to four debates each year would be classed as 'open' sessions - where members would not be expected to comment or vote along party lines.

Currently there are restrictions on the length of time members can speak for - and their opportunities to reply to questions in the chamber during full council meeting attended by all councillors.

But under the proposals, put forward by Councillor Dean Perks, members would be free to reply on numerous occasions during the debates.

Councillors moved the amended motion at the full council meeting on Monday.

It will now be taken forward and debated further within the council's scrutiny committees before a final decision is taken by the authority.

Dudley's UKIP group leader, Councillor Paul Brothwood, said: "As a group we wanted to open the council chamber to open debates that can be held three or four times a year.

"This will allow large topics to be fully debated and open to scrutiny.

"The current system is restricted and we feel all 72 members should be able to have an input and not limited on the amount of time they can speak.

"In addition we believe the right to reply, which is currently missing, is fundamental in helping a debate move forward."

Councillor Brothwood, who is standing as a parliamentary candidate for Dudley South, added: "On issues such as the combined authority we feel it's so important to have open and transparent debates."

Councillor Perks who is standing for election as a parliamentary candidate in Halesowen and Rowley Regis, in his notice of motion, said: "Examples of possible topical issues for debate are the Hippodrome and the combined authority."

He added: "There need not be a vote following the debates, but the relevant members and officers should be present for clarification and advice."

Dudley Council spokesman Barry Hutchinson said: "The motion was agreed and will go to the overview and scrutiny management board to consider."