Leaders write to Minister
CHESHIRE East Council’s leader and acting chief executive have written to the Secretary of State in response to calls for an external investigation.
The letter, from Coun Rachel Bailey and Kath O’Dwyer, states: “Whilst of course we respect the views of all of our residents and their right to be heard, I would like to respond to and address the concerns that have been raised with you. We are therefore writing to you on behalf of Cheshire East Council, both from the officer and political leadership perspectives.”
The council’s top two say the authority faces some difficult organisational challenges in addressing ‘legacy matters’, relating to ‘the period of organisational leadership of the previous council leader (prior to February 2016)’.
“Some of these matters are the subject of ongoing police and audit investigation and/or internal disciplinary or member conduct proceedings,” states the letter.
It continues: “Nevertheless, we have approached these matters in a robust and transparent way and will continue to do so, putting as much information as we can in the public domain as and when issues come to light, taking steps to ensure that any matters of concern are fully and independently investigated and that any recommendations are shared openly and acted upon without delay. It is important to note however, that these are legacy matters, not issues relating to the current leadership or management of the council.”
The letter continues: “We continue to receive excellent feedback and recognition for the services that are delivered across the borough and work closely with our partners and leaders across the sub-region to deliver key outcomes in terms of growth, skills, health and well-being, housing and other strategic infrastructure investment.”
It concludes: “Cheshire East is a great place to live and work and it remains our priority to listen to any concerns raised by our residents”.