OPPOSITION councillors are calling for a shake up in the way Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) is run.

Frustrated members of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats and independents believe that the current decision making process has become too remote, and ‘all the power’ is in the hands of the eight Conservative members who form the ruling cabinet.

A motion for change has been put before full council, which is due to meet today (Thursday) which its proponents say would make the workings of the borough council more transparent and to ensure every councillors’ voice is heard.

Proposed by independent councillor Ian Tilbury, the motion proposes dissolving the cabinet and for the borough council to move to a committee system which the councillor says would save taxpayer’s money and improve inclusiveness.

Cllr Tilbury, said: “The system we have at the moment concentrates powers to very few members of the council, and a lot of what is put to the cabinet is already decided in premeetings, and we and residents don’t get to hear what goes on behind closed doors.

“We all have views that we want to put across, but it is rare that you hear from anyone but the same old voices.”

Other councillors have said one of the reasons for bringing this motion forward is that ward members feel excluded from events and activities directly associated with their wards, where they feel cabinet members have taken credit for the work of other councillors.

Leader of the Basingstoke Labour Party, and seconder of the motion, Cllr Paul Harvey, added: “Just having eight people having all the power is not truly representative of the people of this borough.

“All councillors are elected the same and we want all 60 members to have a real say in the choices people see from the council.”

Conservative group leader, Cllr Simon Bound, said he was confused by the motion as he said councillors always have an opportunity to express their views. He said: “We hardly ever see members at cabinet meetings when there is an opportunity for them to air their views. Also a lot of the major work is done by officers at the council, and I don’t see that changing.”