AN all-Party group of councillors at Warrington is to challenge a “secret” decision by the borough council’s executive board to loan money to Warrington Collegiate for a period of 10 years.
Cllr Colin Froggatt (pictured), a former Labour education chief, has “called in” the decision made by the executive during the private section of its meeting on July 13.
Four other councillors have signed the notice of call-in including Cllr Bob Barr (Lib Dem) and Cllr Paul Kennedy (Conservative).
Labour councillors Paul Bretherton and Graham Friend have also signed the notice and fellow Labour councillors Chris Vobe and Matt Smith have indicated their support.
The matter will be considered at a special meeting of the scrutiny committee next Monday, July 27.
A report originally considered by the executive has not been included with the public agenda of the scrutiny committee on the basis that the matter was originally considered in private. Council solicitor Tim Date suggests the committee may wish to determine whether to deal with the document in open session. No indication is of the size of the loan.
Cllr Froggatt, giving reasons for calling-in the decision, says he believes it to be outside the Budget and/or the Policy Planning framework.
He says there is no reference to it in the capital programme and it is not clear whether the council has a policy regarding this type of transaction.
He complains of a lack of, or inappropriate consultation and says that professional advice has not been given due consideration.
The decision has not been taken with a sufficient degree of openness and lacks clarity of aims and desired outcomes.
Cllr Froggatt says the report states “This loan will contribute to meeting educational need in Warrington” but there is no evidence that any assessment of educational need has taken place.
The financial implications and/or risks have not been given due consideration and there is not enough analysis to demonstrate possible risks and avoidance of a further possible call for financial assistance in the future.
Alternative options have not been considered and the reasons for the decision have not been clearly stated and it avoids and lacks financial and education reasoning.
The scrutiny committee does not have the power to overturn the decision but it can offer advice to the executive board or the full council for consideration.
1 Comment
Seems like the council are loaning money left right and centre these days to various outside organisations. But how can they do that when they keep telling us all that they have NO money and cuts and saving have to be made right across the board?