Fury greets ban on queries over ‘£115,000’ physio contract
COUNCIL bosses say they will not answer any more questions relating to a contract worth up to £115,000 which was given to the leader’s physiotherapist.
Concerns have been raised around the deci- sion by Cheshire East to award the contract to run fitness sessions in schools and community centres to Core Fit, a company run by Amanda Morris, outside the council’s normal tendering rules.
The company was involved in a pilot scheme in 2014 to provide fitness classes at primary schools and community centres across Cheshire East.
And in February a year long contract was put out to tender, attracting a number of bidders for the lucrative deal.
But it was awarded to Core Fit in March, without the tender process being completed.
And in April the tender process was officially waived by three senior council officers, stating that more time was needed to carry out a full evaluation of the pilot scheme.
Council leader Michael Jones admitted that he introduced Amanda Morris to council officers but said it was council officers’ decision to cancel the procurement process.
The Express has been trying to get answers, asking the council press office on at least four occasions to clarify why the tender was stopped and why the contract was handed to Core Fit.
But the council did not answer, instead stating: “The process with regard to all procurement procedures is in the public domain and published on the council’s website.
“If a procurement process is undertaken and no bid is suitable to the specification required, then no contract is awarded.”
The council then refused to answer three queries about whether there will be an independent investigation into the issue.
And during a call to the press office this week, a spokesman said the authority will not answer any more questions relating to Core Fit.
Coun Nick Mannion, for Macclesfield West and Ivy ward, said the move showed ‘contempt’ for the people of Cheshire East.
He said: “These are very serious matters. The council cannot put its fingers in its ears, shut its eyes and hope this will go away.”
Coun Laura Jeuda, for Macclesfield South, said: “There are unanswered questions and it’s not acceptable they won’t answer them.”
Amanda Morris could not be contacted for comment.