The Secret Committee
Meetings you can't see. Minutes you can't read. Who are they really representing?
Update:
384 signatures. Thank you.
I want to tell you about a mystery.
There's a committee at Rochford Road Allotments. They say they represent plot holders. But their meetings are secret. Their minutes are refused. Their decisions are made behind closed doors.
When I asked for minutes, the secretary replied: "We have no requirement to, and will not be, providing you with committee meeting minutes."
They hide behind "Data Protection." But here's the simple truth: Data Protection law protects personal information – names, addresses, medical details. You redact those. You black them out.
It does not protect the essence of a meeting. What was discussed. What was decided. How people voted. None of that is personal data.
Refusing to share minutes because of Data Protection is an excuse. Not a reason.
Some meetings happen off-site – which I believe is not allowed for a committee meant to represent tenants.
And then there was the gate-locking proposal.
The committee considered locking the gates when plot holders arrived. You would be locked in until you left. No consultation. No vote.
Why did they change their mind? Not because they asked plot holders. Because I was bitten by a false widow spider. My tongue swelled. I was blue-lighted to Broomfield Hospital. I pointed out that locking gates would delay emergency services. The council agreed.
The committee never asked a single plot holder what they thought.
Same with the bib tap. I replaced the broken sinks for free. I suggested a bib tap to prevent future damage. The answer was no: "Someone will steal the water." No consultation. No vote. Just no.
This is not a committee representing plot holders. This is a private society making secret decisions. Hiding behind Data Protection. Refusing transparency. Consulting no one.
And the council lets them.
What I'm asking for:
· Transparent meetings with published minutes
· Consultation with plot holders before any rule change
· No more hiding behind Data Protection as an excuse
382 signatures. Police involved. Ombudsman watching.
If you believe in transparency – sign and share.
Link: https://c.org/9jtfrDHdrV
Thank you. Every signature matters.