A WINCHESTER councillor called for an overhaul in the council’s declaration of interest procedure.

As several city councillors also serve on the county council, they have to declare an interest on any matters involving the latter.

It meant a delay at the start of the full council meeting on July 17 and some councillors lost patience.

Cllr Chris Pines said: “I understood that we had simplified matters and could skip this now? If not then may we please do something to simplify these procedures.”

Corporate director Stephen Whetnall said the procedure was “appropriate” and was enforced by legislation from the coalition government.

He added the procedure Cllr Pines was referring to only applied to portfolio holders declaring their status at overview and scrutiny meetings.