CABINET members could be asked to prove they have done what they promised to do if a vote wins favour tomorrow.

Independent Tory councillor Oliver Donachie is keen for more transparency, claiming motions demanding action of he ruling Conservative cabinet are sometimes ignored once they are passed.

Coun Donachie, who left the Conservatives in May, wants to force the leader of the council to report action – and provide evidence – in such circumstances within 90 days.

A motion to be put before the cabinet tomorrow night says: “This council requires the leader of the council to report to all members of the council within 90 days confirmation that any action agreed by a motion to council has been complied with and providing evidence of this compliance.

“Where compliance has not taken place the leader of the council will be required to produce a report for the next council meeting outlining the reasons for non-compliance so members can debate the progress of the motion and resolve if any new action is required."

Coun Donachie has put in a member’s question asking for a list of successful motions for the last three years, the precise wording of the resolution and the action taken.

He said: “The tabled list will inform the debate about the motion. It will be instructive to see what the council has or has not done.

“Lots of motions require the leader or the cabinet member to write to the secretary of state in Whitehall about something, and that’s easy enough to do.

“But there are others where nothing is done and it’s not good enough that motions are passed and are just ignored.

"The council is spending taxpayers’ money and it needed to do the job it’s paid to do.”

One example Coun Donachie cites is a motion passed in February which mandated the communities and place overview committee make a report to cabinet on how byelaws might be used to prevent motorists parking on and blocking pavements.

He says nothing has been done about that.

Council leader David Renard said his administration would make a full response at the meeting itself but added: “All council motions are taken seriously, and appropriate actions are taken arising out of those motions.

“We would accept that a formal system would be helpful in providing additional transparency.

“At this time we are very much focused on helping everyone the through the pandemic and helping Swindon's economy to bounce back.”

The meeting starts at 7pm and a weblink on the meeting agenda page on Swindon.gov.uk will be activated for members of the public.