WARRINGTON Borough Council insists 'it is not possible to fully brief' all councillors on matters involving commercially sensitive information after being urged to provide 'more openness'.

During last Tuesday's organisational improvement and development policy committee meeting, concerns were raised over councillors not being informed about major decisions containing commercially sensitive details.

Committee chairman Cllr John Kerr-Brown, who highlighted the Redwood Bank investment, said 'clearly, there is an issue about members being informed'.

He also asked for 'more openness' – so members are aware of what is happening – 'rather than being told afterwards'.

The authority has responded to the concerns.

A spokesman said: "When the council explores and pursues commercial opportunities, it is not possible to fully brief all members as it could risk a breach of contracts and non-disclosure agreements.

"Clearly though, there is a balance, and we will continue to brief members at the appropriate time for all relevant investment decisions.

"As agreed in the recent treasury and capital strategy approved by full council in February, we are committed to offering more training to members to help them better understand the council's investments and operating context.

"We have previously held optional training sessions for members to better understand investment and treasury decisions and will continue to offer guidance."

Responding to the statement, Cllr Kerr-Brown said: "Members are aware of the sensitivity, however, there is a need for being briefed at an early stage without prejudicing commercial sensitivity."

Discussions ahead of the council's £205 million acquisition of Birchwood Park, as well as the decision to spend £30 million to buy a 33 per cent share in Redwood Bank, involved commercially sensitive information.