UNION chiefs in Bolton are concerned that members will be left out of an independent planning enquiry taking place in Bolton in the Autumn.

The Local Government Association will be conducting the enquiry, which will look into the processes of planning carried out by Bolton Council.

This comes after a motion was passed by the council last year, after concerns were raised about the perception of how planning works in the borough.

But a row has developed in recent weeks between the ruling Labour group and opposition parties about the terms of reference of exactly what the enquiry will investigate.

Labour has stated that the initial motion — proposed by Tory Cllr Norman Critchley — focused only on the committee stage and says it would be unfair to put officers and staff under the spotlight.

All three opposition parties disagree with this and also feel that members of the public should be free to give anonymous evidence to the enquiry — with Labour stating that it should be done through ward councillors.

Now Unison, the biggest union within Bolton Council has raised concerns that its members will not be able to take full part in the October enquiry.

Branch secretary Bernadette Gallagher said: “Our members that work in the planning section are becoming increasingly concerned that their service is being used as a political football.

“Unison representatives have repeatedly requested details of the terms of reference of the inquiry and we have also requested that our members should be given the opportunity to submit evidence to it.

“Unfortunately the Council’s position is that the inquiry would not have an impact on staff and therefore our members should not be allowed an input.

She added: “We strongly dispute this — the Committee is part of the planning process and interacting with it, and Councillors, is a fundamental part of our members’ job.”

Mrs Gallagher added that Unison supports Lib Dem leader Cllr Roger Hayes who has called for officers working on the ground to have a say and be able to give evidence in confidence.”

She also suggested that some Unison members working in the town hall have raised concerns about “political involvement” taken on planning applications and in enforcement action.

This is something strongly objected to by Labour.

Senior Cllr Nick Peel said: “Members of the planning committee have the right to make decisions and can disagree with the officer’s advice and that does happen as it should in a democratic institution.

“Planning in Bolton is not politically whipped but it is the elected members who have the final say.

“For a Union secretary talk about political influence is clearly absurd and I think the union should concentrate on the job of looking after the terms and conditions of its members.”

Cllr Peel also added that the original motion was "never meant to be about the work of officers" and referred only to the committee stage.