Councillor Peter Kent-Baguley reports on the ‘debate’ over the plans to outsource staff in Property and IT. Staff await the promised consultation, but it looks like the decision has already been made….
Update – 15th August
The minutes of the Scrutiny meeting are now available here. It is quite bewildering to see how the committee decided to overrule to call for a full debate on this major decision, when you read the searching questions asked by a number of councillors. It is clear councillors have major reservations about the business case for this adventure, what impact it will have on staff, Stoke town centre, control, accountability and will it really kick start the business quarter.
The minutes conclude with the vote :
A Motion, moved by Councillor J. Davis and seconded by Councillor Rigby, ‘that the
Transformation and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee agree that the
Executive and Members Board decision of 2 July 2008 – Support Services – Strategic
Partner Proposals Delivery be referred to full Council for full democratic consideration
of such a fundamental proposal to change the structure of the Council’s administration
and delivery of services’, was lost by five votes to three.
It would be interesting to find out which councillors voted against this motion.
I urge you to read the full minutes and tell us what you think about the process.
3 responses so far ↓
ken // August 9, 2008 at 6:15 pm |
I am sure that the many employees affected by this undemocratic and ridiculous decision ought to be consulted by the Union. How on earth have we come to such a ludicrous position where the general public, the employees and even the City Councillors are being over-ruled by a tightly knit group of politically motivated men?
We have a group of employees here crying out for positive leadership from the Union. That’s what we are in the Union for. Let battle commence!
stokeunison // August 15, 2008 at 7:55 am |
This item has been updated with the minutes of the Call-in meeting. It is difficult to see how such a strong argument for a full debate was refused. A sad day for democracy in Stoke on Trent.
Andrew // September 5, 2008 at 7:03 am |
so much for democracy. And politicians wonder why they are held in such low esteem.