COUNCILLORS often complain that they struggle to get everyday people involved in local government.

It’s so important, they say, for everything from approving major building projects to how your bins are collected.

So it’s disappointing that a series of highly topical questions put by councillors on behalf of residents met with the reply that they would get a written answer only.

This robbed residents who had turned out to the Vale of White Horse District Council meeting in Wantage for the opportunity to see their elected representatives speak on issues like Botley’s West Way redevelopment and where major housing estates will go in the coming years.

It also meant councillors did not have the chance to ask a follow-up question, which could have been crucial given that politicians often choose to answer the question they would like to have been asked rather than the question they were asked.

The move is a PR shot in the foot for the council as many will think it is trying to evade scrutiny by saying what it wants without fear of a follow-up question.

The council must ensure councillors have an answer ready.

If this requires input from council officers those staff must ensure answers are given in public to ensure healthy democratic debate.