Council rejects claims of hiding data for controversial landlord scheme in Broughton and Kersal.
The council aims to improve data collection on landlords and housing, covering over 1,300 properties. Approval could generate £800,000. Councillor Walters disputes the council’s process, calling the information denial “disgraceful” after a scrutiny committee couldn’t access housing needs data.
During a September meeting, council officers claimed Kersal and Broughton had low housing demand. Walters questioned this claim and requested supporting evidence. However, GDPR laws were cited as the reason for withholding data.
The city solicitor offered a different perspective, stating relevant information should be provided, even if confidential. The council responded, saying their view was “based on local intelligence” from unrecorded “informal conversations.” Despite this, the panel proceeded with a public consultation.
Salford Council stated “further clarity” was provided later during an October meeting, maintaining that the “consultation followed correct council processes.” Walters challenges the scrutiny panel’s support, arguing it was based on false pretenses.
Walters believes the council attempted a cover-up to avoid scrutiny, challenging their actions and reiterating that the solicitor confirmed the refusal was improper. He demands an apology and assurance against future obstruction, emphasizing elected members need to do their jobs.
The public consultation on the plan closed January 20. The council will soon discuss the proposals. A council spokesperson stated they will meet with Walters to address his concerns.
The council is reviewing all comments from the consultation and says they provided further clarity on October 21, 2024, stating the 70-page document had all the information and therefore the consultation followed the correct processes.