• A HEALTHY democracy requires transparency of information.

Globally we have seen the revelations of the Pandora Papers. But in Camden we see increasing secrecy of what is going on behind the scenes.

Back in June 2017 we were promised a full, independent, inquiry into the botched PFI regeneration which led the costly evacuation of the Chalcots estate.

We are still waiting and the council refuse to meet residents concerned about their safety.

In Gospel Oak Bacton Low Rise was demolished nearly a decade ago but the council refuse to explain why the site remains derelict.

It took years for the council to admit why they failed to collect almost £4million from the Talacre site developers.

Even the most simple questions fail to get answers, with emails ignored.

I asked whether it was true that the Queen’s Crescent “champions”, employed by the council to answer residents’ questions on developments, had to be withdrawn for their safety and whether they were employed on zero-hours contracts.

Officers only agreed to supply this information, as they are legally required to do so, via the Freedom of Information Act, occasioning a month’s delay.

These are but a very small sample. Letters and articles in the CNJ seeking information get no response.

It even seems that some councillors are kept in the dark by officers. How can democracy exist with this increasing secrecy allowing some cabinet members to claim all is well in the borough of Camden?

MICK FARRANT, NW5