There’s no shortage of issues to investigate
OF course, if this column was to seek a silver lining in this grey cloud, it would be that at least Lancashire’s overview and scrutiny committee system seems to work.
Councillors meet, discuss important, relevant issues which ordinary people talk about, and make suggestions.
The fact a sensible suggestion is ignored is a shame.
In Rossendale, the same cannot be said of the council’s only overview and scrutiny committee. It continues to seem reluctant to pick up some of the thorny issues involving Rossendale council.
The Empty Homes scheme, for example, has cost the authority a fortune – but we don’t know how much for sure.
The development of the Valley Centre site in Rawtenstall continues to trouble and perplex many, but they’ve not discussed that either.
Then there’s the sale of Rossendale Transport to Transdev – surely such a transaction is worthy of public scrutiny?
Or the redevelopment of Bacup – how is it that saving the fountain was originally not an option but after a public backlash, it now is? And, of course, the sad fiasco that is the final end for Haslingden pool.
The group does look at important issues, like winter deaths and so-called holiday hunger. But why aren’t they looking at the issues directly in the control of the council?
This column has suggested it is odd for a scrutiny committee to be chaired by a member of the same political party it is scrutinising, but the point has since been made that Tories are equally welcome to put issues forward for consideration and investigation.
They certainly don’t have a shortage of options on things to investigate, should they choose to put some ideas forward.
That’s not to say Rossendale council doesn’t get many things right – it clearly does.
But it’s only right when things go wrong, they are scrutinised.