Hull's KC shares sale to be raised in Parliament

Diana Johnson MP is to raise Hull City Council's recent sale of its Kingston Communication (KC) shares on the floor of the House of Commons tomorrow (Wednesday 20 June).

The Hull North MP has secured a special Parliamentary debate on the subject of the 'Regulation of the disposal of local authority assets: case of Hull City Council'.

Diana Johnson MP said: "Whatever the pros and cons of Hull City Council's decision to sell its entire remaining KC shareholding, the process by which the decision was taken was inconsistent with the principle of open government and local accountability.

"Although I am critical of the excessive secrecy that is becoming a regular feature of Hull's Lib Dem administration, on the KC shares disposal I am aware that councillors were under legal constraints that limit their ability to discuss in advance the plans to sever the Council's links with KC.

"The purpose of this debate therefore is to raise with the Department of Communities and Local Government whether the current financial rules governing the disposal of share assets by local authorities acts as a blind spot in local democracy. This comes at a time when there is much debate around how to revive interest in local elections.

"I will be asking whether we can look at the rules for local government shareholdings and achieve a new balance that enables councils to meet their financial obligations without undermining local democracy and open government - about which the Lib Dems are usually the first to lecture us."

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