A SPECIAL meeting of Warrington Borough Council’s scrutiny committee takes place tonight to consider a “call in” of the executive board’s controversial decision to outsource adult social care.
The decision – which was criticised by the local branch of the Town Hall union UNISON – has been called in by rebel 
Labour councillor Kevin Bennett (pictured)
Cllr Bennett claims the decision was not taken in accordance with the principles of decision making because:
*There was a lack of appropriate consultation following a report, commissioned by the council, from the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE),
*Professional advice was not referred to at the executive board meeting when the decision was taken
*No alternative options were put to the meeting, as referred to within the APSE report.
Members of the scrutiny committee will be able to question Cllr Bennett, and any witnesses he might call, on points of clarification and the reasons for the call-in
Cllr Pat Wright, lead member for health, wellbeing and adult services will be able to respond to Cllr Bennett and the committee will be able to question Cllr Wright.
The scrutiny committee has no power to overturn the executive board’s decision but it can offer advice to the executive or refer the matter to the full council for advice.
If it decides to offer no advice, the original decision of the executive board may be implemented.
At the time the decision was taken, the Warrington branch of UNISON accused the council of being “led” by its officers and claim the executive board had ignored a request from the union to delay the decision to allow further talks.
Union branch secretary Jason Horan also claimed the council had paid £3,000 to APSE for an external review of the proposed business model and then ignored APSE recommendations, making the commissioning of the report “a total waste of public money.
Mr Horan said the union had consistently raised issues about the proposals with officers and senior councillors but it had been clear throughout that it was “ a done and dusted deal.”
Council's adult social care plan to come under scrutiny
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
