Troubling Complacency

Troubling Complacency in Telford & Wrekin Council’s Approach to Democracy

When we hear a councillor like Ollie Vickers say, “most councils operate this way,” and dismiss concerns about last-minute amendments as simply “how politics is,” it should set off alarm bells — not just for those directly involved, but for every resident who cares about democracy, transparency, and accountability.

His comments during the recent governance committee meeting reveal a troubling attitude: that accepting less-than-transparent practices is just the way things are, and that everyone else is doing it too. That kind of thinking — “it’s just politics,” “others do it too,” “that’s how it’s always been” — is exactly what erodes trust in local government and undermines the very principles that should guide our councils.

Normalising anti-democratic practices isn’t acceptable

Councillor Tyrrell’s legitimate concern about last-minute amendments isn’t just a petty complaint; it strikes at the heart of democratic fairness. When amendments are pushed through at the last moment, it limits the ability of opposition members and even backbenchers to scrutinise, debate, and contribute meaningfully. It’s a tactic that can be used to rush through decisions without proper oversight, and it risks marginalising voices that might challenge the status quo.

Vickers’ defence — that “most councils do this” — attempts to normalise a practice that, frankly, should be challenged. Just because something is common doesn’t make it right. Democracy isn’t about doing what everyone else does; it’s about doing what’s right, transparent, and fair.

The Dangers of Complacency

When councils accept and perpetuate such practices, they send a dangerous message: that transparency and thorough debate are secondary to expediency or political convenience. This attitude discourages genuine engagement from councillors and, by extension, from the public. If residents see their representatives being starved of the information and time needed to make informed decisions, confidence in local government diminishes.

And let’s be clear: these aren’t just procedural issues. They’re fundamental to how democracy functions. When amendments are rushed or hidden until the last minute, it’s not just a matter of procedure — it’s a matter of principle.

It’s not just politics — it’s about protecting our democracy

Vickers’ comment that “it’s just politics” is dismissive and dangerous. Politics should serve the people, not just be a game of procedural shortcuts and political posturing. The council’s tagline — “protect, care, and invest” — suggests a commitment to serving the community. But accepting practices that undermine transparency and discourage meaningful debate is incompatible with these values.

A council that truly cares about its constituents and aims to invest in their future must prioritise open, inclusive decision-making. That means giving councillors adequate time and access to amendments, fostering genuine discussion, and resisting the temptation to normalise anti-democratic shortcuts.

What needs to change?

It’s time for a serious reevaluation of current practices. Councillors like Vickers need to understand that accepting “the way things are” isn’t acceptable when it compromises democratic integrity. Instead, they should be champions of transparency, pushing for clearer rules that require amendments to be circulated well in advance of meetings.

Furthermore, councils should set a standard that transparency isn’t optional — it’s fundamental. If other councils are doing it differently, then Telford & Wrekin Council should lead the way in elevating standards, not lowering them.

Democracy isn’t just a procedural formality; it’s the foundation of accountable, responsive governance. Accepting practices that obscure, rush, or limit debate isn’t just low standards — it’s a betrayal of the very principles that should guide a council committed to “protect, care, and invest.” Councillor Vickers’ statements should serve as a wake-up call: our democracy deserves better, and it’s time for our council to stand up for transparency, fairness, and genuine community engagement.