Councillors were angered to find out in the press that Gloucester City Council plans to move its offices to Eastgate Shopping Centre.
The city council is considering the move as its three-year lease at Shire Hall comes to an end.
However, opposition councillors were “miffed” that details of a report which has not yet been made public was leaked to business magazine Punchline.
Council managing director Jon McGinty gave an interview saying they no longer need as much space due to the work changes brought on by the pandemic.
He also said it would be rent free as the council owns the shopping centre.
Councillor Terry Pullen (Lab, Moreland) asked: “How come that was made public through Punchline and through the video from the chief executive when this council has not been briefed?
“I’m a bit miffed. And I’m sure other people will be a bit miffed as well. Why hasn’t protocol and process been adhered to?”
Performance and resources cabinet member Hannah Norman (Con, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said she did not release the information to Mark Owen and the Punchline publication.
“Obviously, you alluded to the fact the head of paid service was interviewed outside of Eastgate today so another member of this administration may be able to give you further insight but unfortunately I cannot,” she said.
Cllr Pullen said council leader Richard Cook (Con, Kingsway) had also been quoted in the press release.
“So once again, process and protocol has not been adhered to,” Cllr Pullen said.
“It sounds like the move is done and dusted even though councillors have not been officially told.
“Why does the proposed move not include a move of the Gateway customer services to the Eastgate centre as well?”
Cllr Norman said she would answer questions about the proposed changes at the overview and scrutiny committee on November 29.
“It is a proposal at this stage,” she said.
“The overview and scrutiny committee can contribute to that and give recommendations and it will be heard at the December 8 cabinet member when a decision will be taken.”
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter