CALLS for Malvern Town Council to undergo a major review of its whole operations were refused at an important meeting held last night (Tuesday).
Town councillor Mike Charles wanted the council to be placed under a two month critical assessment in the wake of the resignation of the authority’s events co-ordinator Eadwine Brown.
Coun Charles said the aftermath of Mr Brown’s resignation was the perfect time for councillors to discuss its financial future following heavy criticism earlier this year of the approval for town council post salaries to be significantly increased.
The motion for a review was backed by fellow councillor Paul Tuthill.
But the majority of town councillors refused the idea of a review at its meeting. Twelve councillors voted against the motion and just three voted for it.
The refusal of a review means it will now be business as usual for the town council moving forward and a new events co-ordinator will be appointed in due course.
Coun Charles’ proposal read: “That as a matter of urgency, Malvern Town Council agrees that the Mayor, along with all committee chairmen and the town clerk should critically review the organisation and consider changed patterns of work that will enable the town council to work more effectively within an affordable budget.
“This review should be completed within two months for approval by council and, in the meantime, the post of events co-ordinator should not be filled and its workload suspended.”
It added: “In early 2016, the staffing committee, conducted a review of administration salaries that led to the council agreeing to significant increases in staff salaries.
“These increases had not been included in the budget for the 2016/17 year. The effect of these increases on the council’s expenditure has yet to be tested, albeit quarterly accounts are in balance for the first quarter.”
More on this story to follow…..
