News / In brief – 17 March 2010
Transparent pay offs
A LOCAL authority watchdog has voiced its concern over the amount of money being paid out when councils part company with their chief executives.
The Audit Commission, which polices councils in England, said yesterday (Tuesday) that not all severance deals investigated had been justified and called for more transparency in the process.
During the last 33 months, 37 council chief executives in England agreed severance packages totalling £9.5 million, an average of just over £250,000.
The commission said: “Severance deals can be in the interests of the council and the taxpayer. But our research shows that not all such deals are justified, that competent chief executives have sometimes lost their jobs needlessly, and that less effective individuals have been paid-off rather than dismissed.
“The Commission wants all deals to be more transparent. They should be reviewed by scrutiny or remuneration committees, with details published shortly after they are agreed.”
Ferry fury
SHETLAND MSP Tavish Scott is to challenge transport minister Stewart Stevenson this afternoon (Wednesday) on his plans to change the timetable of Shetland’s lifeline ferry service to Aberdeen.
Mr Scott said last night: “I have received many representations opposing the proposed changes to the timetable, both from individual islanders and from businesses. It is clear that the proposed earlier sailing times for the services that run through Orkney will cause significant problems if they are imposed.
“Equally, the threat to leave us with a single passenger vessel service in winter is the cause of serious concern. At the meeting I will make clear to the minister the strength of opposition to the government’s proposals.
“I will also inform him of the anger in Shetland at the government’s attempt to impose these changes without consultation. I will urge him to think again and to step back from imposing these damaging changes.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Care information
PEOPLE in need of care should find the information they require easier in future, thanks to a new information service.
Care Information Scotland (CIS) offers a single point of contact through one phone number – 08456 001 001 – and one web address at www.careinfoscotland.co.uk
The system gives detailed information on the range of community care services available from local authorities, the private and voluntary sector.
Lerwick south councillor Cecil Smith said: “From now on, older people in Shetland, their friends and family, can easily get accurate information on what services are available and how they can get access to them.
“Locally we have been working hard to make services accessible directly to people with support needs and I’m sure Care Information Scotland will prove to be very useful for older people and their families across Shetland.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.