CALLS are being made for controversial issues to be debated in public at Redditch Council - amid fears too many decisions are made in secret.

There are concerns that a motion to overturn a decision to axe free bus travel for pensioners and the disabled will be heard behind closed doors.

This has prompted the Labour group leader to submit a motion seeking to keep the number of issues discussed in private to an absolute minimum.

The motion states secret discussions have increased this year "which is unhealthy for democracy and leads to poor decision-making".

Labour leader and executive member David Cartwright said they felt forced to submit the motion because an 'unfortunate' trend for private discussions was developing.

He said: "We fear we are going to be told the motion we have put forward regarding the buses will have to be heard in private and can't be debated in public.

"It's just bizarre as nothing in the motion is private or confidential.

"People have a right to know about issues which are going to affect them so they can have their say. But for some reason the concessionary fare scheme has been treated very differently."

He added: "The motion we are putting forward regarding open government has to be talked about publicly."

The decision on whether or not something is heard in private is ultimately down to councillors.

Certain items must be heard privately, including some financial, contractual or staffing issues - but Mr Cartwright feels most other things could be heard publicly.

Council leader Gavin Smithers said nothing had changed in the procedure regarding confidential items and anything involving financial contracts or staff were not discussed publicly.

He added: "That is the constitution as it stands. If they want it changed, they should discuss it with the appropriate working party."

Meanwhile, the motion to overturn the decision to axe free bus travel for elderly and disabled residents has been submitted to the council.

Mr Cartwright said he hoped the motion would be agreed when it goes to full council on Monday, October 20.

The motion states: "The council believes the introduction of a fee-based system for concessionary fares is morally wrong and poses financial risk to the council which is unacceptable.

"Officers are instructed to start negotiations with First bus company on the basis of a scheme remaining free to the user.

"These talks should involve council officers and political leaders. The outcome of these discussions should be reported at the next meeting of the council."

The motion also states the issue of Dial-a-Ride and its planned expansion should be dealt with separately and not linked to the proposals for the concessionary fares scheme.