REFORM UK is planning to launch a campaign to help members of the public in Warrington understand the contents of the independent “Best Value” report into the borough council’s financial situation.
They believe that even though some time has elapsed since publication of the report, many members of the public have not read it.
A leaflet is being prepared for wide distribution in the borough and a website launched.
Branch deputy chairman John Roddy said: “We will include statements from the report in our literature, without political spin, so the council tax payers of Warrington can see the scale of the mess”.
“Labour’s Warrington Borough Council has accepted these damning findings—but don’t be fooled. They’re not stepping aside. They’re digging in their heels, desperate to cling to power. Why? Because the rise of Reform UK threatens to do what they won’t—shine a light on the truth and give Warrington residents the transparency and accountability they deserve.”
Extracts from the report will be included in the Reform UK leaflets and on their website which is due to be launched in early June.
The council responded to the report at its cabinet meeting on Monday, May 12.
Leader Cllr Hans Mundry said the council would would respond positively, co-operatively and at pace to all recommendations made by government.
He set out a number of actions the council is already taking, including the development of and Improvement and Recovery Plan which will be presented to full council, and working with the Local Government Association to create a new council body that will oversee the council’s improvement.
As part of the council’s improvement work, it will have a full and open recruitment process to hire a new director of transformation and improvement, to lead on the council’s improvement agenda.
There would also be changes to the council’s committee structure, reflecting the government directions, by appointing an independent advisory member as chair of the audit and corporate governance committee.
Cllr Mundry also announced that the council’s scrutiny function and scrutiny committee would be enhanced, through the appointment of a new opposition member as chair of scrutiny committee.
We’re keen to take the opportunity to embed improvements in the areas identified, with the support of the appointed envoys, so that ultimately we can demonstrate that we are a council that is well-governed, has effective leadership, works openly with residents and communities, and uses resources effectively. To this end, it is our utmost priority to demonstrate these improvements to our residents and businesses.”
The full council meeting on Monday June 16 will give councillors an opportunity to debate the best value report’s findings and directions set out by the minister.
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1 Comment
It’s easy to criticise and not have any plans in place other than which flag should fly at the Town Hall. I’d be more impressed if they set out what they would do to if they gained power in Warrington.What exactly would they do to reduce the council debt? Would they sell the assets and pay off loans ? If so how would they replace the income from the assets. Alternatively they might make large cuts. What would they cut? Labour are already making unpopular cuts to public services in Warrington.