With the help of residents, local Liberal Democrats campaigned hard against the new charges believing they would be a ‘tax on democracy’.

Now, following pressure from both Lib Dem Group Leader Councillor Bob Sullivan and Councillor Mahmood Hussain, the council has u-turned and will only be implementing the new charges between 08.30 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday, starting from 1st June 2012.

Councillor Mahmood Hussain said:

“I am pleased that the council has responded to our campaign and scrapped these unnecessary charges. This is great news for our residents who now will not have to pay to participate in our local democracy

“This decision should ensure that council meetings stay transparent and accessible to local residents.”