Liberal Democrats react to damning report by District Auditor

12.55.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 13th May 2008

Liberal Democrats today respond to a damning report by the District Auditor over the recruitment process for the chief executive post at the county council.

The report was complied by the independent District Auditor after the Liberal Democrats wrote to him expressing concerns about the process, especially on the setting of the salary. The report concludes that the Conservative administration "cannot demonstrate that value for money was given sufficient consideration" (paragraph 25). Further the report concludes that "there was no consideration of a clear business case based on an assessment of the Council's circumstances and needs" (paragraph 31).

The report highlights that key information was not given to the majority of the Staff Appointments Committee and that this led to the (Conservative) members of the committee increasing the salary level based on inadequate information.

The report also says that the way in which the decision was made to increase the salary was potentially unlawful. "It is arguable that the decision to increase the salary range was based on inadequate information and relevant information was not made available to the Committee and therefore, was potentially unlawful." (Paragraph 32)

Leader of the County's Libdems, Cllr Kathy Pollard said, "I think what this report shows, once again, is that a small Conservative cabal is making secretive decisions for the rest of the county. We are very concerned at the implication that the council cannot demonstrate value for money was given sufficient consideration: at a time when many people are feeling the pinch, this simply makes the council look bad.

I did not vote for the appointment at this increased salary because I had not been given enough evidence to show that it was needed. This report confirms the Tories did not give us all the information they had. It is a shocking example of how secretive this administration has become."

Deputy Group leader Cllr Andrew Cann added, "During the robust debate on the appointment, I highlighted the fact that the Council should not proceed with making the appointment as it was not clear whether the appointment would be unsafe. This report seems to confirm that. Although the Auditor doesn't suggest starting again, his report is damning of the way the Conservatives managed the process and also highlights that opposition members were kept in the dark about the reasons, if any, for the permanent appointment and such a mind-boggling salary.

It was a major issue for people in Ipswich during the recent local elections and led to the Conservatives losing 2 seats. It will remain a millstone round their necks, especially as they are cutting tens of millions of pounds from services again this year."