Labour forces scrutiny shake up

Opposition Leader Alan McCole has shamed Broxbourne Council into reconsidering the way it deals with criticism following the publication of Labour's report on the council's failure to scrutinise itself.

Broxbourne's Scrutiny Committee responded by appointing Cllr McCole to a special panel which will examine whether the council has been complying with Government guidance and the law.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr McCole (Labour, Waltham Cross) said:

"I am pleased that the council has finally agreed to look at the way it responds to criticism. With steep rises in fees and Council Tax, plus cuts in public services, many people feel their views have been totally ignored. Cllr Aitken and I have fought hard to make the ruling group think again. I hope this review will at last force them to listen to the people of this borough."

Cllr Malcolm Aitken added:

"I have been concerned at the conflicts of interest when councillors have been scrutinising their own decisions so I fully support Cllr McCole's review. It is just a shame that the Tories refused to do anything until the Leader of the Opposition forced their hand."

Report filed 18/10/2003

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