Resignation of Non-Aligned Independent Group (NAIG) Representative on Scrutiny Committee Press Statement 17.09.2013 Councillor Brian McCabe of the Non-Aligned Independent Group has submitted his formal resignation from the Scrutiny Committee function of Falkirk Council. “There simply is no scrutiny!” said Cllr McCabe, Secretary of the NAIG. Speaking on the existing governance structures currently being operated by the council, Cllr McCabe went on, “Falkirk Council’s new governance structures are shambolic in operation and a total sham in scrutiny. They form part of this Council’s continuing drive towards systems which do not respect the real value of democracy.” Echoing Cllr McCabe‘s comments, Cllr Robert Spears, Chairman of the NAIG said, “Brian and myself have had a long and detailed discussion on where we saw the council moving in its regard to scrutiny and proportional representation for all elected councillors. Despite both of us attending Executive and Scrutiny meetings, sadly we have seen no indication of willingness by this administration to embrace genuine scrutiny, but rather an eagerness to pursue undemocratic processes for purely political ends. The formal resignation by Cllr McCabe was considered the only option.” Referring to Audit Scotland’s Annual Audit Report on Falkirk Council for 2011-12, Cllr Spears commented, “The report stated ‘Overall, the council’s governance arrangements in 2011/12 were soundly based and operated effectively.’ I bet it doesn’t even come close to this for 2013/14!” At a Full Council meeting earlier in the year to discuss the introduction of new governance & decision making structures, NAIG’s motion to hold Full Council meetings over 2 full days was defeated. “We wanted to build on an established & robust model of local governance, better suited to serve the people who elected us.” said Cllr McCabe. “Instead what we’ve got is a flawed process where there is no genuine scrutiny on anything this administration pushes forward. Local elected members have been disenfranchised from representing their constituents by this Labour/Tory cabal.” The NAIG’s position is seen as the only option available to have Falkirk Council recognise and address the inadequacy of the current structures. At a recent meeting of the Scrutiny Committee, 2 names put forward by the ruling administration were discounted when it was pointed out that they already occupied places on the Executive, a contravention of Council Standards! Press Statement Ends
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:05:34 +0000
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