A council has refused to publish legal advice on plans to take the Government to court, prompting accusations of “secrecy”. Keith House, leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition at the county council, has accused the Conservative administration of not being transparent. Cllr House said: “New Forest District Council, in the interests of transparency, published its legal advice before accepting it had no realistic prospect of succeeding with a judicial review. “The culture of secrecy at the county council rather makes the case for its abolition.” In response, the council said the advice was protected by legal privilege and can only be shared with “those who need to see it”.