Council declines Freedom of Information request for release of Grimsby Library structural survey

                                         

How safe is it? What repairs are required? NELC says it is not in the 'public interest' for the information about Grimsby Central Library to be disclosed

 

NELC is resisting a Freedom of Information request for it to release  a copy of the structural survey on the Grimsby Central Library building.

The authority states: "We determine that, at this time, the report should remain confidential as it would be likely to prejudice the council’s ability to undertake the procurement / tender of repair works on behalf of the community and taxpayers of North East Lincolnshire."

It goes on to insist: "North East Lincolnshire Council will always begin from the position that information should be disclosed."

It then says: "In assessing the public interest the following factors, were considered in favour of disclosure:

* The public interest in understanding the activities of NELC, to inform their decision making, to allow them to challenge the decisions and actions of the council and to participate in debates.

* The public interest in ensuring NELC can be held accountable for its decisions.

* The public interest in ensuring NELC is achieving value for money.

The following factors were in favour of withholding the information:

* The public interest in ensuring NELC is able effectively to  provide services and to deliver outcomes for its community and council taxpayers.

*  The effect disclosure would have on the ability of NELC to negotiate or compete effectively in a commercial environment for the procurement of any required works.

*  The democratic arrangements in place to ensure the Council can be held accountable for its decisions.

The statement concludes: "It is determined that the balance of public interest is to withhold this information."

The Grimsby News says: The council leadership's reasons for refusal are less than compelling. It is manifestly in the public interest to know the condition of the building and the extent, if any, to which it is safe, both internally and externally. Cabinet members keep insisting on their commitment to the principle of  'transparency'.  But principles count for nothing until they are put to the test. To continue with the secrecy will only fuel further the already widespread suspicion that the council leadership may have its own undisclosed agenda - namely for the building never to re-open as a library  and for the property either to be sold or to be demolished in favour of redevelopment.