A TORY councillor has accused Darlington's ruling Labour group of abusing the new cabinet system of local government.

Under the former committee system, opposition councillors had the right to question officer recommendations and debate issues at some length.

But Coun Heather Scott has claimed the new style of government led by a cabinet, a ratification committee and several scrutiny committees is strangling any opportunity for debate.

She told the D&S Times: "The Labour group seem to have it all tied up with no opportunity for people to object to anything.

"Scrutiny committees can call in items they feel need a wider forum for debate but the majority of the scrutiny membership have to agree to do that.

"As the majority of members on the scrutiny committees are Labour, there is very little chance for opponents to ever question anything.

"If we can't question items at the ratification stage then I believe they are taking advantage and abusing the system."

The row broke out at Tuesday's ratification meeting which met to agree 15 different agenda items already decided upon by the cabinet.

But it was a recommendation to approve spending £800,000 of uncommitted housing revenue on a host of different maintenance projects that fanned the opposition flames.

Particularly contentious was the approval of £150,000 to upgrade up to four sheltered housing schemes to 'extra care standard' as part of the development of an older persons strategy.

Questioning why the proposals had not been automatically referred to last month's social affairs and health scrutiny committee, Coun Heather Scott and Tory leader Coun Tony Richmond were reminded that it was up to the scrutiny members to call in items they were not happy about.

Ratification committee chairman Coun John Williams also stated that ratification was not the place to debate decisions and that he was being generous in allowing the opposition so much talk time.

Coun Eleanor Lister, agreed. She said: "This is the second time we have had a lengthy debate at a ratification committee.

"All of these proposals were discussed with residents who then prioritised where the spending should go. I think it is presumptuous to say that councillors know better than them."

But Coun Scott stands by her comments and remains sceptical about the future.

She said: "The housing expenditure had already been deferred from April, so calling it in now would have been totally irresponsible because the money would have been held until after the recess in September.

"The system is being evaluated shortly and I will urge that all items of housing expenditure go automatically to a scrutiny committee so they can be fully debated."

But Coun Bill Dixon deputy council leader, denied Labour was abusing the system.

"There is no whip on Labour scrutiny members and it is up to individuals to argue their case to get items called in.

"We have given the Tories the chairmanship and vice-chairmanship of two of the most important scrutiny committees - lifelong learning and social services and health - which in reality is more than the electorate trusted them with."