Tory leader demands Wirral Council administration resigns in wake of libraries report

Wirral Globe by Justin Dunn »


THE leader of Wirral's Conservative group is demanding the resignation of the council's ruling Lib-Lab administration after publication of the Charteris report into the now abandoned plan to close 11 libraries.

In a statement, Cllr Jeff Green said: "The Wirral public know that the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration had been given a copy of the Sue Charteris Library Inquiry report on July 27 and that Wirral Council Officers were subsequently informed on September 29 that the Secretary of State’s decision on the administration’s library closure plan was going to be announced on October 1.

"The public will find it shocking, having now had an opportunity to read Sue Charteris’ report, that following their midnight meeting on September 29 the Labour/Liberal Democrat administration, having created so much distress to Wirral residents including some of our most vulnerable citizens and spent so much of Wirral residents' own council tax on developing and defending the their library closure plan, decided not to accept that through their own failings they had got the biggest decision in Wirral’s history wrong.

"The public will be disgusted that members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration thought only of themselves and how to protect their own positions, carrying out the biggest political ‘U’ turn in Wirral history and, under the cover of secrecy and then seeking to characterise it as 'decisive leadership'.

"The contrast between the way the ruling Liberal Democrat/Labour administration has behaved over their library closure plan and the professional and inclusive way Sue Charteris conducted her inquiry could not be starker.

"Her report has laid bare the unwillingness of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration to listen to anyone who disagrees with them and the confused and incompetent decision-making process currently in use by council officers and members of the administration.

"The Wirral public will not forgive those council officers or members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat administration who have brought such a stinging repudiation from Sue Charteris, nor will the public forget that Sue Charteris has exposed them for seeking to impose these closures without even considering the needs of local communities, children or the elderly.

"The public of Wirral owe Sue Charteris a huge debt of gratitude, she has exposed the way this administration has treated the Wirral public and how they disregarded the needs of the most vulnerable in our community.

"This coalition has tried to take the public for fools and been exposed for what they are, they have lost any moral authority or any lingering trust of Wirral residents.

"They should just go – and go now."

Liscard Conservative Cllr Leah Fraser said: "This is an explosive report, not only into the disgraceful decision to close our libraries, but also in exposing the shadowy, secretive nature in which this Labour-led council operates.

"The report states that the council's leadership has now understanding of the range of services in libraries nor any kind of plan for the service.

"Nor had the needs of older people or the unemployed, both of whom are key users of the libraries in Wallasey Village and Seacombe, been considered let alone addressed.

"There is now only one honourable course of action for the people who got us into this mess - and that is their resignation."
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© copyright . Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Wirral Council would have broken law if libraries had closed

Wirral Globe by Justin Dunn »

WIRRAL Council would have been breaking the law if it had proceeded with its plan to close 11 of the borough's 24 libraries, a Government inspector said today.

The closures were scrapped on September 30 - just two days before the first draft of inspector Sue Charteris' report was originally due to be published.

The ruling Lib-Lab cabinet said they were scrapping the controversial closures because of budgetary needs - any planned savings from library closures this year had been lost due to the length of the inquiry into them.

But it has now emerged that had they proceeded the council would have been in breach of its stautory duties under the 1984 Museums and Libraries Act.

Some key points made in the Charteris report are:

* "The council failed to make an assessment of local needs in respect of its Library Services."

* "I am profoundly concerned at the lack of transparency of this process."

* "The council has not been able to demonstrate that it has had due regard to the general requirements of children. I consider this to be a breach of its statutory duties."

* "I recognise that Wirral MBC, like other authorities across the country, has considerable pressure on service budgets and needs to ensure it is making the best use of its resources both now and in the future. The absence of a strategic plan or a development plan for the service, based on an assessment of need and a contemporaneous review of the service, completely hinders the council being able to describe how its plans will meet the needs of and have due regard for those who live, work and study in Wirral."

* "I believe that the evidence shows that the Council took the decision to close the libraries without having first established the extent and range of library provision it was providing within the buildings, including those which were 'core' to the service and which were ancillary."

* "My assessment is that the Council’s decision to close 11 of its libraries and develop the remaining 13 into integrated Neighbourhood Centres was and remains premature, and risks being a partial response to local need that would disadvantage relatively isolated and deprived communities. I therefore believe there to be a further breach in relation to the needs of deprived communities.

* "I have found that due to the absence of an assessment of needs and a strategic Library Service review, the council has displayed a lack of logic around why some facilities were recommended for closure and not others."

Today, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said there would be no "decision" made by Secretary of State as Wirral had abandoned the closures.

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said "It is clearly no longer appropriate to rule on their [Wirral's]earlier decision.

"Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council are therefore not in breach of their statutory duty."

Miss Hodge's statement says: "Pursuant to his powers under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 (“the Act”), the Secretary of State launched a local inquiry into the library service provided by Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council (“Wirral MBC”) to gather evidence to test whether Wirral MBC's planned restructuring of that service was consistent with their statutory duty to provide the people of Wirral with a comprehensive and efficient public library service.

"He is satisfied that the Inquiry has been conducted fairly and in accordance with the statutory rules on procedure.

"However, after the report on the Inquiry was received by the Secretary of State, Wirral MBC revoked their plans to restructure their service.

"In these circumstances it is no longer necessary for the Secretary of State to take a view on proposals which have since been dropped.

"There is therefore no finding that Wirral MBC are in breach of their statutory duty.

"The Secretary of State welcomes Wirral MBC’s decision to reconsider plans to restructure their library service.

"We hope that they will take account of the issues raised, alongside the conclusions which emerge from the national libraries review, when considering future decisions.

"In respect of any wider implications of the Inquiry, the Secretary of State confirms that, in accordance with the clear requirements of the Act, local authorities are well placed to understand the needs of their local communities and are responsible for delivering local services relative to those needs.

"The Secretary of State will always wish, where possible, to use ways other than a formal inquiry in exercising his statutory obligations.

"It is, however, an ongoing requirement of all local authorities to fulfil their duties under the Act, and of the Secretary of State to consider intervening where an allegation or question arises that an authority may not have done so.

"The Secretary of State wishes to emphasise the importance of all local authorities, being mindful of the needs of those living, working and studying in the area and of how they are addressing such needs in fulfilling their duty to deliver a comprehensive and efficient service."
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© copyright Justin Dunn. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Council was in "breach of statutory duties" over library closures

Wirral News by Liam Murphy on Nov 30, 09 02:02 PM

A DAMNING report by libraries inspector Sue Charteris says Wirral Council was in breach of its statutory duties over its plans to shut 11 out of 24 libraries.

In her report Ms Chareris said: "the Inquiry has found the Council to be in breach of its statutory duties under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964, because it failed to make an assessment of local needs in respect of its Library Services".

The council revoked the plans at the end of September - although it was later revealed the authority had been given a draft copy of Ms Charteris report.

In the report, published today, Sue Charteris said: "I am also concerned that although the Act does not specifically cover the role of schools in library provision, the Council has not been able to demonstrate that it has had due regard to the general requirements of children which I consider to be a breach of its statutory duties."

The report, published by the DCMS says "the decision was made without a clear understanding of the extent and range of services currently being provided in the libraries".

In one of the most damning lines, Ms Charteris said the closures could be "better described as an indication of intent rather than a fully worked up plan" said it "risks being a partial response to need that would disadvantage relatively isolated and deprived communities. I therefore believe there to be a further breach in relation to the needs of deprived communities".
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© copyright Liam Murphy . Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Conservative leader Jeff Green's response to the libraries report

Wirral News by Liam Murphy

The leader of the Conservative opposition group has responded to the libraries report:

Cllr Jeff Green said the "public of Wirral owe Sue Charteris a huge debt of gratitude".

He added: "She has exposed the way this administration has treated the Wirral public and how they disregarded the needs of the most vulnerable in our community."

Cllr Green's comments:

'The Wirral public know that the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration had been given a copy of the Sue Charteris Library Inquiry report on 27th July and that Wirral Council Officers were subsequently informed on 29th September that the Secretary of State's decision on the Administration's Library Closure Plan was going to be announced on the 1st October.

The public will find it shocking, having now had an opportunity to read Sue Charteris' report, that following their midnight meeting on the 29th September the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration, having created so much distress to Wirral residents including some of our most vulnerable citizens and spent so much of Wirral residents own Council Tax on developing and defending the their library closure plan decided not to accept that through their own failings they had got the biggest decision in Wirral's history wrong. The public will be disgusted that members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration thought only of themselves and how to protect their own positions, carrying out the biggest political 'U' turn in Wirral history and, under the cover of secrecy and then seeking to characterise it as 'Decisive Leadership'.

The contrast between the way the ruling Liberal Democrat/Labour Administration has behaved over their Library Closure Plan and the professional and inclusive way Sue Charteris conducted her Inquiry could not be starker. Her report has laid bare the unwillingness of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration to listen to anyone who disagrees with them and the confused and incompetent decision making process currently in use by Council Officers and members of the administration.

The Wirral public will not forgive those Council Officers or members of the Labour/Liberal Democrat Administration who have brought such a stinging repudiation from Sue Charteris, nor will the public forget that Sue Charteris has exposed them for seeking to impose these closures without even considering the needs of local communities, children or the elderly.

The public of Wirral owe Sue Charteris a huge debt of gratitude, she has exposed the way this administration has treated the Wirral public and how they disregarded the needs of the most vulnerable in our community. This coalition has tried to take the public for fools and been exposed for what they are, they have lost any moral authority or any lingering trust of Wirral residents. They should just go - and go now!!'
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© copyright Liam Murphy/Jeff Green. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Commissioning of Independent Investigation - UPDATE

The above FOI request has been updated as follows:

from Natasha Eubank, 2 November 2009:

Not only have you singularly failed to address my query within the specified timeframes for responding, you have demonstrated the most stunning lack of courtesy by failing to offer an apology for the lateness of your response.

As there has been no request for clarification of the points raised in my original query, I can only assume your response is imminent.

From Jane Corrin, 3 November 2009:

Not only have you singularly failed to address my query within the specified timeframes for responding, you have demonstrated the most stunning lack of courtesy by failing to offer an apology for the lateness of your response.

As there has been no request for clarification of the points raised in my original query, I can only assume your response is imminent.

from Natasha Eubank, 4 November 2009:

Not only have you singularly failed to address my query within the specified timeframes for responding, you have demonstrated the most stunning lack of courtesy by failing to offer an apology for the lateness of your response.

As there has been no request for clarification of the points raised in my original query, I can only assume your response is imminent

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Wirral council faces £20m savings challenge to avoid cash crisis

Liverpool Daily Post

WIRRAL Council will have to make savings of more than £20m a year over the next three years to avert a massive budget deficit.

Council leader Steve Foulkes said that, although the current financial year is on target to be balanced, future years look tough for the borough.

A report to the ruling cabinet, which meets on Thursday, says the authority faces shortfalls in its budget of £76.5m between 2011 and 2014.

Even with council tax increases at around 4% – increases over 5% are likely to be capped by the Government – this leaves shortfalls of £23.1m, £20m and £21m, over this period.

Even this coming year, 2010-11, the council faces a shortfall of £13.6m and, even with a 5.2% council tax increase next year, has to find “efficiency savings” of £8.4m.

Cllr Foulkes said: “Others have been trying to not face it by saying we do not need to make difficult decisions.

“This year is the last year in the current three-year cycle and we have coped well, but it’s the duty of any politician with backbone to deal with the predictions that there will be severe public spending cuts whichever party wins the next General Election.

“We expect local government will have to take some of the share of that.

“We need to take decisions now, while we have some manoeuvrability for the benefit of the council tax payers.

“This year, the budget is on target.

“But we would be in a better position if we had not had to backtrack, but that has not been in our hands.”

Wirral Council’s director of finance, Ian Coleman, recommended that the authority maintains a review of budget projections “as the global recession develops”.

In his report on next year’s budget, Mr Coleman warned of reductions in the cash handed to councils by the Government.

He said: “In his Budget speech on April 22, 2009, the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that the main grant for 2010-11 would not be reduced, but there will be reductions from 2011-12.”

Mr Coleman said: “The gap between projected expenditure and anticipated resources will need to be bridged by a combination of savings and/or increased council tax.”

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© copyright Wirral News. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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Shanghai jolly for Councillors - who is paying?

Wirral Globe

WIRRAL council has proposed spending £28,000 for officers to take part in a business conference in Shanghai next year.

The proposal is designed to promote the multi-billion Wirral Waters scheme to develop the Birkenhead and Wallasey docklands.

The council’s ruling cabinet committee will vote on the proposal this Thursday.

So who will be paying for this jolly? The Council Taxpayers of Wirral, of course!
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© copyright Wirral Globe. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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SPECIAL AUDIT AND RISK MANAGEMENT - TONIGHT

Special Meeting
Audit and Risk Management Committee

Tuesday, 3rd November, 2009 6.15 pm

Agenda reports pack PDF 3 MB

Venue:
Committee Room 1
Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact:
Mark Delap Senior Committee Officer


AGENDA:

2. Minutes
To receive the minutes of the special meeting of the Committee held on 23 September 2009.

The minutes are so flawed and incomplete that many protests have been made by members of the public. here and here

3. Adult Social Services - Charging Policy - Service Users Residing at "In House" Supported Living Units during the period 1997 to 2003
Additional documents:
Appendix Index, item 3.
Appendix 1, item 3.
Appendix 2, item 3.
Appendix 3, item 3.
Appendix 4, item 3.
Appendix 5, item 3.
Appendix 6, item 3.


4. Progress Report on Action Plan in relation to Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA) Additional documents:
Appendix, item 4.


5. Charging Arrangements for Supported Living in Wirral 1997 to 2003

As is to be expected, all the above contain lies, damned lies and statistics. If any reader is aware of specific lies, please contact Veridici in the strictest of confidence (anonymously if preferred).

6. Any Other Urgent Business Approved by the Chair

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© copyright Wirral Borough Council. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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COUNCIL MEETING - TONIGHT

Council Meeting
Monday, 2nd November, 2009 6.15 pm

NOTICES OF MOTION
Notice has been given, in accordance with Standing Order 8(1), of motions on the following subjects.


1. MOTION: ADULT SOCIAL CARE - PUBLIC INTEREST DISCLOSURE
Proposed by Councillor Simon Mountney (7 minutes)
Seconded by Councillor Geoffrey Watt (3 minutes)

(1) This Council recognises that a number of concerns were raised by a Council ‘whistleblower’ in October 2007 under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, which in turn has resulted in the Audit Commission issuing Wirral Council with a Public Information Disclosure report.

(2) Council notes the findings of the report:
• Although 30 accredited providers are used by the Council only 12 contracts have been signed and returned by providers.
• No formal arrangements have been established for the contract monitoring of
supported living providers.
• There are no arrangements at present for feedback from service users where there is dissatisfaction with services or where quality standards have not been met.
• There remains a substantial risk that users receiving services from one of the
Councils service providers are being charged unfairly.
• The Council does not always know the actual contributions that the provider rquires service users to contribute for services they provide. Consequently the Council is not in a position to know whether the aggregate of charges levied on
service users by the Council and contributions required by the provider are in
compliance with the guidance of fairer charging. It is not clear who is currently ensuring that these service users are receiving adequate protection for the risk
of financial abuse.

(3) Council notes the fact that these findings had previously been raised with officers of the Council by the whistleblower and, whilst thanking the Audit Commission for the production of this report and bringing the matter out into the open, condemns the fact that the Council’s own procedures are so defective as to have needed the Audit Commission’s intervention to bring them to the notice of the Council and the public.

(4) Council believes that this PIDA report and the Department’s unwillingness to bring to the Council’s attention the whistleblower’s concerns regarding the treatment of those in our care demonstrates a lack of effective governance, management and leadership within the Department.

(5) Therefore this Council instructs the Chief Executive to appoint an independent person of sufficient standing and experience to investigate these matters fully, speedily and rigorously and to bring their findings to the Council’s attention, including any disciplinary action, if required, at the earliest possible occasion.

AMENDMENT
Proposed by Councillor Denise Roberts (7 minutes)
Seconded by Councillor Ron Abbey (3 minutes)

Delete all text after the end of section (2) and replace with the following:

(3) Council notes the serious implications of the findings and recognises that they point to serious management failings in adult social services in the past over a long period of time. Council acknowledges these findings and notes that the Director of Adult Social Services has prepared a report addressing these failings and their consequences and that this will be presented to Audit and Risk Management Committee on 3rd November.

(4) In relation to allegations of bullying of the whistleblower, Council notes and supports Cabinets decision to instruct the Director of Law HR and Asset Management to commence an investigation into the treatment of the individual, in relation to allegations of bullying. Council also notes that an outside, independent person will conduct this investigation.

(5) Council welcomes the Audit & Risk Management Committee recommendation to reimburse service users at Bermuda Road, Curlew Way and Edgehill Road Moreton, between April 2003 and February 2006.

(6) Council also notes that the audit and risk management committee will tomorrow (3 November 2009) receive a report providing further information with respect to the charging that took place between the period 1997 - 2003, and based on that will make a recommendation on whether re-imbursement will take place for that period.

AMENDMENT
Proposed by Councillor Leah Fraser (7 minutes)
Seconded by Councillor Jeff Green (3 minutes)

In addition to the existing Conservative Notice of Motion add the following:

(6) This Council recognises that the concerns raised by Mr Martin Morton in October 2007 under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, and earlier to Senior Officers, are both well-founded and serious.

(7) Council further notes that in the twelve months since the PIDA was published

(a) It has now been established that a vulnerable group of people with learning disabilities in the care of this Council were unlawfully financially abused by this Council over many years. The full extent of this financial abuse and the level of unlawfulness is yet to be established, however, the original figure of £78,499.62 first quoted by the Director of DASS is now recognised as woefully short of the total amount improperly obtained from the residents within our care.

(b) Despite the contributions made by Directors and the most senior officers in its production, the most recent report by Internal Audit has gone only part of the way to revealing the truth. What is much clearer is that much of the evidence presented by Mr Morton and all of his relevant knowledge of this ongoing financial abuse has been ignored or mistakenly omitted from the report.

(c) This Council continues to applaud the efforts of Mr Martin Morton in attempting to ensure that the full extent of the financial abuse and wrong doing is brought into the open

(d) Council expresses its concern that the Cabinet member for Adult and Social Care is yet to make a full comment to the Audit committee or Council regarding how aware she was of this situation and why she had not taken any action prior to the publication of the PIDA report.

(e) Therefore this Council requests that the Chief Executive, in conjunction with the three party leaders selects a person of suitable standing, who is totally independent and fully qualified to carry out a full public inquiry into the PIDA report, in order to draw this matter to a satisfactory conclusion.

Right of reply: Councillor Simon Mountney (7 minutes)

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© copyright Wirral Borough Council. Reproduced under fair use for the dual purposes of comment and news reporting
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