Recommendation 9

While we cannot conclude that the Safety Advisory Group’s decision was made because of political pressure, on the basis of the evidence we have seen we also cannot conclude with any confidence that the decision was not politically influenced. It is clear that on this occasion councillors, with a stated political aim, had a disproportionate opportunity to influence Safety Advisory Group decision-making on a deeply divisive political issue. While the presence of elected politicians on Safety Advisory Groups has potential benefits in terms of local representation, it also risks decision- making becoming politically motivated, undermining trust in the process. It is right given the role of the Safety Advisory Group in this matter that the Government is conducting a review of Safety Advisory Group governance. (Conclusion, Paragraph 34)