Audit Commission says Bay council 'below the standards we expect'

BADLY-BEHAVED councillors are dragging down the reputation of Torbay Council, according to a top inspector.

Martin Green, inset, senior manager for the independent watchdog the Audit Commission, delivered his unusual verdict at a council meeting claiming the behaviour of some councillors was 'below the expected standards'.

Today mayor Nick Bye praised Mr Green for taking the 'exceptional' stance and admitted some councillors needed 'to see the bigger picture, stop the squabbling and work together'.

Lib Dem leader Steve Darling blamed the Tories saying 'this is more of an issue for them to sort out'.

Speaking to the Herald Express Mr Green said: "It is unusual for us to note the impact of councillors' behaviour in this way. Councillors need to ensure that their behaviour, either individually or in the pursuit of political objectives, does not unreasonably serve to undermine the reputation of the council in the eyes of local people."

Mr Green told the council's audit committee meeting: "It certainly came to my attention during the course of my work that some of the behaviour between councillors in terms of political behaviour and sometimes in terms of personal behaviour has probably fallen below the standard we would expect to see."

He said the episodes have had an impact on the council's reputation, which has shattered public confidence in its actions.

"Sometimes I felt the reputation of the council with the general public, is not as strong as it should be given the services that are provided and the fact the council is on an upwards curve.

"It is some of the negative political behaviour that is undermining the council's reputation.

"It has got to the stage where I felt it was important to draw that out in my report.

"You will either accept that in your hearts or you won't," he said.

The meeting was to discuss the annual audit and inspection letter, a report looking at the performance of the council.

This report is drawn up using performance indicators, some of which measure the public's perception of the council.

Mr Green continued: "Twenty-two of the national indicators are based straight on public perception of the services they receive, their perception of their capacity to change the council's mind, and community relations where they live.

"We are asking the citizens what they think and that gets factored straight in to some of the assessments that are made about the council.

"So it does have a very direct impact on the council results — which I think is unfortunate."

After the meeting he told the Herald Express: "As noted in the Annual Audit and Inspection letter, inappropriate councillor behaviour, often politically motivated, has, on occasion, undermined the council's achievements and damaged its reputation with local people. Further action is needed to ensure all councillors are able to make a constructive contribution to the delivery of the council's objectives."

Torbay Council was said to be 'improving well' and was rated as an 'adequate' two-star authority, with one star being weak and four-stars being excellent.

Bay mayor Nick Bye said it was 'exceptional for someone from the Audit Commission to make such remarks'.

He added: "He feels very strongly about it, it was very brave of him to say so."

Mr Bye admitted there are a 'small number of councillors who give the impression they want the council to fail'.

But he said things are improving.

"I think there is a recognition among councillors that they need to improve their behaviour.

"We need to see the bigger picture, stop the squabbling and work together.

"It is beginning to feel better in the town hall and there has been a marked improvement in members behaviour."

Many of the councillors who have publicly misbehaved are members of the Conservative party.

Tory leader Robert Horne welcomed the report.

He said: "This was a necessary wake-up call. I think some councillors are unaware of the fact that their actions have cause and effect elsewhere, especially in the public eye.

"I think that this audit report was necessary in order for councillors to realise this, and it has brought it to their attention most forcibly."

But Liberal Democrat leader Steve Darling hit out at badly behaved Conservatives saying: "This is more an issue the Conservatives need to sort out.

"I am sure the report is referring to issues concerning Nick Bye, things like Roger Kerslake being done for drink driving and Jeanette Richards."

Mrs Richards was suspended for disrespecting council officers and breaching the councillor code of conduct.

Cllr Darling added: "With this type of thing going on, and Nick Bye being so political all the time, I can understand why the Audit Commission came up with those comments.

"I am comforted that the Liberal Democrats are doing the right thing all the time."