A LIBERAL Democrat councillor and Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Warrington North has spoken up for a rebel Labour councillor in the row over the setting up of a social enterprise to run Warrington’s adult social care services.
Cllr Stefan Krizanac lent his support to Labour rebel Cllr Kevin Bennett when he “called in” the decision by the borough council’s executive board to set up the social enterprise.
But after the council’s own scrutiny committee had referred the matter back, the executive board decided to press on with setting up the enterprise – despite a report, commissioned at a cost of £2,500 by the council itself, from the Association for Public Service Excellent (APSE, which expressed concerns.
Cllr Stefan Krizanac (pictured) said: “The way this matter has been dealt with is shambolic.
“So much for the leader’s declared intention to make this a highly transparent council.
“I was happy to be one of the members who asked for the original decision to be called-in for further consideration by the scrutiny committee because I want the best for vulnerable people in our town.
“It is appalling that the executive board was unwilling to discuss their own independent report form APSE which raised some important questions about setting up a social enterprise. This was a waste of £2,500.
“The meeting was orchestrated beforehand with no debate about the issues raised.
“Nor was the relevant policy committee given the courtesy of being provided with documentation to enable them to consider the matter properly.
“Labour’s inability to put its own house in order is reflecting in its work in the council chamber.
“A lack of ideas, infighting, divisions and non co-operation is rife among them and is bad for the town and its people.
“It is time for Labour to take responsibility for their actions and stop blaming national government for their own failings. “
Lib Dem speaks up for Labour rebel
00 Comments
Share.
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.
