Bolton: Councillors to miss Valentine's Day for meeting

The council agreed a schedule for the 12 months to May 2024 over the course of a meeting at the town hall this week.

Overall, all those in attendance were in agreement over the timetable, which includes a number of dates between June 28 this year and May 22 next year.

But Sue Priest spoke up after a meeting was scheduled for Valentine's Day.

READ MORE: Bolton Council agrees to pay £300k after 'miscalculation'

Cllr Priest, from Smithills Ward, said: "One meeting is dated February 14. 

"That's actually Valentine's Day and some of us have partners and spouses."

Nick Peel, the council leader, said the authority is "a bit restricted" as this is the night of the budget.

However, he took the opportunity to say there is a possibility of change to how the council works in the future.

READ MORE: Andy Burnham's tribute to contribution of Martyn Cox

Cllr Peel said: "It is the budget, unfortunately, so we are a bit restricted. All I can suggest is to make it short and to make bookings a bit later."

He added: "But on this point the more eagle-eyed of the leaders will have noticed there are two items on the agenda [for the first leaders meeting].

"The first one is allowances and the other one is a policy development group looking at democracy and transparency. 

"A part of the policy development group I want us to be looking at how the council works. Is it fit for purpose? 

"Everything is on the table, including start times, so I hope to have a discussion about it."

Bolton Council agreed a schedule for the 12 months to May 2024:

Wednesday, June 28, 7pm
Wednesday, July 26, 7pm
Wednesday, September 6, 7pm
Wednesday, October 11, 7pm
Wednesday, November 29, 7pm
Wednesday, January 17, 7pm
Wednesday, February 14, 7pm (budget meeting)
Wednesday, March 13, 7pm
Wednesday, May 15, 11.15am (mayor making)
Wednesday, May 22, 7pm (annual meeting)

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.