‘MI5’ secrecy over Kingsmead plan

Commercial confidentiality is eating away at democracy. Rather than telling residents to stop worrying about a lack of information (Council’s Hands Tied Over Kingsmead, Letters and Opinion, Kentish Gazette, July 2) city council chief executive Colin Carmichael should be advising councillors how they can minimise the impact of the ‘secrecy’ parts of procurement law so that information to the public can be maximised.

Rules safeguarding sensitive information about individual companies were originally introduced to ensure fair and equal treatment of firms bidding for contracts.

However, over recent years, across the UK, councils and politicians have started slapping the ‘commercial confidentiality’ label on as early and widely as possible to prevent proper discussion of any project where private companies are involved.

This hinders public involvement in decisions; blocks freedom of information requests; prevents public scrutiny of how well our money is being spent and encourages cosy wheeling and dealing that increases the risks of corruption.

Of course, big corporations like the behind-closed-doors approach and now demand secrecy at ever earlier stages.

The balance should change so that the interests of the public and democracy are put before the convenience or legal antics of business.

I am not in a position to comment on Kingsmead. But, generally, chief executives like Mr Carmichael should be advising how to restore transparency and accountability to local democracy. Richard Stainton

Sydenham Street, Whitstable

Colin Carmichael says the council is as excited about the Kingsmead project as many other people and they will reveal the plans as soon as they are legally allowed.

Mr Carmichael entirely misses the thrust of what is being said.

Residents wish to be consulted on the proposals BEFORE plans are formalised.

It was his refusal to consult on the disposal of Kingsmead Field that generated the widespread calls for the field to be retained as a public open space.

Does he still not realise that the residents of the district deeply resent being excluded from involvement in any development that will directly impact on their quality of life for many years to come?

What gives any developer the right to determine any plans and proposals for an area without involving residents?

I had believed recent statements from newly-elected councillors that there would be more transparency in the way the council conducts its business was an honest statement of intent.

For too long elected councillors and appointed officers have hidden behind the cloak of “commercial confidentiality” so much so that I believed they had been trained by MI5 or MI6. Alan Thomas Market Way, Canterbury

An artist’s impression of the new Kingsmead development