'Councillors should be tested on local knowledge'

Councillors should undergo taxi-style "knowledge" tests to show their competency, an opposition leader has said.

Nadeem Ahmed, leader of the Conservative and Independent Group on Wakefield Council, said members should be tested on literacy, numeracy and their knowledge of the district, and be able to prove they are "role models" in their communities.

Ahmed said the "anonymised aggregate results" of these tests should be published to "promote transparency and public confidence" in elected representatives.

The motion is expected to be debated by Wakefield Council at a meeting on 16 July.

Ahmed said: "Private hire drivers operating in the Wakefield district are required to pass literacy, numeracy and local area knowledge assessments as part of the licensing process.

"These requirements are in place to ensure that drivers are capable of safely, clearly and competently communicating with the public, understanding essential written information and navigating the local area efficiently.

"The standards aim to protect public safety, promote professionalism and uphold the reputation of licensed services in the Wakefield area."

He said councillors held similar trusted positions which required "clear communication, sound judgement and a strong understanding of the Wakefield district".

Councillors will be asked to consider four proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

• Request that all sitting councillors voluntarily undertake the same literacy, numeracy and Wakefield knowledge assessments currently required for private hire drivers.
• Encourage new councillors to complete the assessment during their induction period.
• Review and publish anonymised aggregate results to promote transparency and public confidence in elected representatives.
• Explore options for integrating this as part of councillor development and training, emphasising continuous improvement and community accountability.

Ahmed said: "Councillors should show leadership by being subject to similar tests of basic competency, particularly when those standards are enforced on residents such as taxi drivers."

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.