Labour hit out at ‘secrecy’ claims

South Lanarkshire Council’s Labour group has blasted suggestions they were not “transparent” when in power.

The new ruling SNP group have been keen to promote a more open authority – and announced that council papers would be released with seven days notice rather than the current three.

But Labour say a council audit proves they were not secretive when in charge.

Audit Scotland reported that in 2016/17 the council was “open and transparent in the way it conducts its business, with public able to attend meetings of the council and its committee”.

Labour group leader, Councillor Davie McLachlan, said: “Continuously we hear from the new SNP administration and their leader, Councillor John Ross, that they will be a more open and transparent council, suggesting we were not.

“This report suggests Audit Scotland are happy with the previous Labour administration... I would suggest Mr Ross gets on with dealing with the more serious matters and stops making empty comments and promises.”