A LABOUR councillor has blasted a new procedure adopted by Brierley Hill Area Committee as being “undemocratic”.

Brockmoor and Pensnett Councillor Judy Foster, is concerned about a recently introduced ruling which requires ward councillors to give at least three working days notice before the Brierley Hill Area Committee meeting of any ward issues they wish to raise.

The new procedures, which Cllr Foster claims were adopted without consultation with other members, state councillors should submit any questions to the area committee in writing, which are then answered in writing during the meeting.

Cllr Foster said: “ The intention is effectively to gag councillors and stifle debate on matters legitimately raised by them on behalf of their constituents”.

She added: “This is unfair and inconsistent, given that members of the public can turn up at meetings and ask questions and get responses that other members of the public, including the press, can hear. In addition, not all Area Committees have adopted this practise – there is really no legitimate reason to”

Councillor Foster is now set to challenge the Chair of the Area Committee on this matter at a future meeting.