It is disappointing to see such criticism
I WOULD like to set the record straight in response to a recent letter from James Wells, which suggested that there is a lack of transparency and an avoidance of scrutiny at Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The events we’ve experienced this year have been unprecedented and I am extremely proud of how quickly the Council has adapted to meet the challenges faced, by mobilising critical services for our residents.
It is, therefore, disappointing to see such criticism directed at the organisation during, what continues to be, an extremely difficult time.
While our resources were prioritised to deliver key services, support our most vulnerable and protect lives by restricting the spread of infection, other non-urgent areas of business were unavoidably affected. This included delays to our usual response time to information requests, as was the case with the example cited by Mr Wells.
This situation is not unique to Caerphilly. The Information Commissioner’s Office has acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic upon resources in local authorities, including the need to prioritise other areas or adapt usual approaches during this extraordinary period, and the Commissioner has documented her pragmatic and empathetic response during the pandemic.
In response to the concern raised by Mr Wells regarding meetings,
I can confirm that we are rolling out measures to enable meetings to be run remotely, including providing members with new IT equipment and relevant training. Meetings of Planning Committee and Cabinet have been held to date, with preparations underway for September’s full Council meeting to be held remotely.
We are committed to openness and, as such, full video recordings of these meetings are available for public viewing on the Council’s website, along with all minutes and reports. Whilst the focus of our work is still very much on our response to the pandemic, officers also continue to actively engage Scrutiny Chairs throughout the decision-making processes and scrutiny meetings are scheduled to commence following September’s full council meeting. Cllr Philippa Marsden Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council