Chaos at budget meeting
The first meeting to discuss proposed £23 million cuts to the South Lanarkshire budget descended into farce last week.
Leader of the independent group, Margaret Cooper, attempted to put forward an amendment and has now called for a formal investigation into how the matter was dealt with after heated exchanges between herself, council leader John Ross and opposition councillors.
The independent group asked to put forward an amended savings package, including a three per cent rise in council tax, which they claim would bring in an extra £3.8 million.
The council leader initially told a meeting of the executive committee there would be no discussion or questions on the paper dealing with the 2018/19 budget and put a motion forward to carry it on until January, by which point the settlement from the Scottish Government will be known.
Leader John Ross told Cllr Cooper: “Every councillor has the opportunity to ask the officers questions outwith this setting – so exactly why should you be any different?
“You have already given me a copy of the amendment and a list of savings you want to see removed and I have already said I am more than happy to distribute this to other councillors.”
But an infuriated Cllr Cooper demanded that she have her say and was eventually allowed to put forward her group’s amendment.
Proceedings soon descended into chaos when opposition councillors stopped Cllr Cooper mid-flow and questioned whether this was the protocol and a debate between officers ensued.
The leader of the Labour group, Davie McLachlan also had a swipe at the SNP administration and its leader, slamming what they see as a“lack of political input”to the budget papers from the party.
With discussions on what should and should not be voted on showing no sign of resolution, Cllr Cooper said she would withdraw the amendment for the time being to move the meeting on.
The debacle, however, has left the independent group demanding action be taken.
Cllr Cooper said she had a right to speak according to the council’s standing orders, adding:“I have requested a formal investigation into the way this item on the agenda was dealt with and the outcome reached.
“The independent group proposed this amended savings package with the interests of their constituents at heart and in an effort to protect frontline services in our communities.”