Councillors can talk about housing after all

It looks as if Cornwall councillor Mario Fonk has won his battle to debate housing policy at a meeting of the full council on Tuesday. I understand many councillors have lobbied council chairman Pat Harvey, who now regards it as "convenient and conducive to the despatch of business" to have a proper debate, rather than simply refer the issue to Cabinet.

To be fair, Pat's initial opinion had nothing to do with the merits of Mario's motion - she was simply defending the council's constitution. It is a constitution which renders full council meetings largely irrelevant. But a review of the constitution would open up the question of why Cornwall Council needs 123 members. I don't expect it to happen any time soon.