Talks over putting up burial fees in Bicester will be discussed by councillors behind closed doors.

Two opposition councillors say they have been effectively “gagged” by Bicester Town Council because the review is taking place in confidential meetings as it is deemed so “sensitive”.

Conservative leader James Porter says the item is being discussed in private so councillors can have a “full and frank discussion”.

Mr Porter said: “We are looking at the charges we make for burial at the cemetery and it’s on the pink paper.”

He said a press statement would be made afterwards. But the move has been criticised by Nick Cotter (Lib Dem), who says any changes to the cemetery fees should be debated in an open forum.

He said: “I accept it’s a sensitive issue, but also a hot topic.”

Mr Cotter raised a wider issue that items regularly appeared on the ‘pink confidential agenda’ when he felt they should not.

He added: “I think the people of Bicester require as much transparency as is legally possible. What concerns me is this secrecy thing that seems to be creeping in.”