Controversial new public forums designed to enable the public to raise concerns with the council were criticised as “just a talking shops” at the first meeting under a new system of community engagement.

A row erupted between panellists during a question and answer session at Redbridge Central Library, in Clements Road, Ilford, last night.

Council leader Jas Athwal was forced to defend the new format after criticisms of a decision to scrap area committees, which had decision-making powers and a budget, from fellow panellists, Liberal Democrat leader Ian Bond and Conservative leader Paul Canal.

Cllr Canal said: “This is just a talking shop and the residents deserve more than that. Give them some decision-making powers at least.

Cllr Bond echoed his sentiments, criticising the lack of influence the public has under the new arrangement.

He said: “The council needs to work out how points raised in this meeting will be implemented because views could just be forgotten."

Cllr Atwal hit back by saying something needed to be done to cut costs.

He said: “The level of cuts we have to make is unprecedented, £70 million, which means we have to try things differently.

“We will look at how the local forums do and review the process in a year.”

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday