A SENIOR councillor has blasted the "secrecy" of his own council.
The lament has come from Chris Botten, Liberal Democrat group leader on Tandridge District Council, who has represented a ward in Caterham for the past 19 years.
He complained that council officers had replied directly to the Airports Commission regarding a possible second runway at Gatwick without consulting elected councillors first.
Mr Botten said: "I have complained repeatedly that members are being bypassed and key matters being decided on by officers with no reference to the elected members or the people they represent.
"This is a real scandal.
"Responses on the possible second runway at Gatwick would not, if we had not discovered them, be made known to the public who deserve to know and have a say."
He said Tandridge's secrecy contrasted with the openness and transparency of neighbouring Mole Valley council.
In response, council spokeswoman Giuseppina Valenza said: "This was a technical response to the consultation and largely focused on whether the Commission had taken into account relevant factors in reaching a shortlist.
"It does not represent a position statement on the question of whether there should be a second runway at Gatwick.
"The document restates the current core strategy policy that expansion would be opposed, if it adversely affects residents by way of aircraft noise or air quality, but also states there is not currently enough evidence upon which to make a judgement about this.
"The rest of the document stresses the need for the Commission to take into account the area's infrastructure requirements before a decision is made.
"This document did not require a formal decision by councillors and is available at www.tandridge.gov.uk/LifeinTandridge/consultation/consultation.htm#g"
