Islington Council has been criticised for replying to residents’ questions and concerns with “stock answers or no answers” during a live Q&A session on Twitter.
Questions regarding Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), communal heating and curtailed resident participation at council meetings were left unanswered by Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz during the #QuizKaya event on 7 March.
The council posted information about the event, inviting questions from Islington residents, on 3 March.
In response, Rebekah Kelly asked the councillor about consultations on important issues, such as the reallocation of LTNs, noting that “many seem like a tickbox exercise where views are disregarded or not adequately collected in the first place”.
“Certain communities are marginalised during [the] consultation process designed to gear towards a certain outcome and isn’t [sic] representative of our borough,” she added. “How can we make a better, more inclusive consultation process where all views are respected and valued?”
Islington Now has reached out to Comer-Schwartz’s office for comment.
Other issues flagged up by residents during the live event included the felling of mature trees, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove’s aims to scrap the leasehold system, and the recent decision to increase council tax by 5 per cent.
Replying to one user’s questions about traffic figures used to justify LTNs and the methodology for recruiting survey respondents and consultation responses opposing the scheme, Comer-Schwartz said: “Our #LowTrafficNeighbourhoods have brought huge benefits to people across the borough.”
The Labour councillor was also asked why residents’ microphones were muted while asking questions at committee meetings.
Sharing a link to Islington Council’s meetings page, Comer-Schwartz replied: “Hello, I’m not sure which meeting you’re referring to but the council welcomes questions from members of the public. If you would like to ask a question at a future meeting, please find information on this webpage.”
Islington Council did not immediately respond to City Press’ request for comment.
