THERE has been a more than three-fold increase in the number of agenda items discussed behind closed doors at Boston Borough Council meetings.

Statistics revealed to the Target under the Freedom of Information Act show 31 matters were debated with the public and press excluded in 2009/10 compared with nine in the previous 12 months.

Of these items nine were discussed at the executive cabinet and 14 at meetings of the full 32 member council.

But officials at the council have defended the authority's use of its powers under the Local Government Act 1972 to hold debates and votes in secret.

Interim communications and marketing manager Andrew Malkin told the Target: "The majority of the exempt items in 2009/10 related to merged services, market testing and management structure.

"The 31 exempt reports is the overall total of exempt items across all council, cabinet and committee agendas.

"All the merged services and market testing reports would have been through scrutiny, cabinet and council, so each counted as three exempt items, when in fact it was one report being considered by three different forums every time.

"There were several meetings to consider the management structure of the council during 2009/10 each of which was an exempt item.

"These were followed by exempt items relating to the interim arrangements.

"In addition, the standards committee started to receive updates at each meeting on the progress of complaints alleging breaches of the Code of Conduct, which were exempt items.

"The meaning of 'exempt information' is defined in the Access To Information Procedure Rules contained within the council's constitution, which is available to view on the council's website."

What do you think? Is the council justified in having so many private debates or should the democratic process be more open? Write to Target letters, 16 Wide Bargate, Boston, PE21 6SR or e-mail news@targetseries.co.uk