Two special motions are defeated

A further two special motions calling for the immediate full publication of two controversial reports was also defeated by the same 40-33 margin at the North Lanarkshire meeting.

SNP members wanted internal papers on“North Lanarkshire Leisure (NLL), its board, foreign trips and subsidiary companies” and “examining allegations of fraud and corruption around aspects of procurement and contracting arrangements” to be made public.

However, Labour, Conservative and independent members instead backed amendments noting a “commitment to transparency” and continuing :“Decision-making about audit investigation reports is a matter for the chief executive and the monitoring officer”.

Opposition councillor Jim Hume led the motion asking for the former, saying: “There are concerns that the set-up of both [NLL subsidiary] companies was opaque and not approved by the board.”

SNP depute leader Tom Johnston said of the latter:“There may need to be redactions, but the public have a right to know and not publishing isn’t acceptable.”

On the meeting’s outcome, he said: “It is incredibly disappointing that the Labour and Tory councillors have voted to withhold crucial audit reports from public scrutiny.

“The public are entitled to information and despite this vote, we will continue to fight for openness and transparency for the people of North Lanarkshire.”

Depute council leader Paul Kelly said after the meeting: “It’s highly inappropriate for some members to think they have any business being involved in independent audit.

“Auditors must be able to work without being concerned about political interference.”

Council chief executive Paul Jukes had told members that the procurement and contracting audit is due to be discussed at a forthcoming committee meeting.

He said: “There are a number of considerations to be made in terms of internal audit investigation reports.

“The council has never published investigative reports. Each is different in terms of legal issues and personal data.

“Council reaffirmed that decisionmaking around audit reports should be for the chief executive’s judgment. I will be guided by legal advice, and have a duty to avoid anything which would inhibit internal auditors and undermine the effectiveness of their work.”