Sir – Your report (January 5) regarding the planned private redevelopment of Grantham House in Jericho described it as a redundant local authority sheltered-housing facility. It had been put on the market by Oxford City Council for £2.75m and was sold in 2011.
Your report informed us that the city council has refused to reveal the sale price. What is the rationale for this decision?
We are in the realm of public finance, which involves financial issues that are directly relevant to the tax-contributing citizens.
Is there a legal basis and justification for the city council’s secrecy? If there is no rational basis for this decision, when can we expect the city council to share this information of their marketing activities — which are carried out on behalf of Oxford’s citizens?
Is there something that the council wishes to conceal from public scrutiny?
Howard Williams, Oxford
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