MAJOR talks about Malvern’s political future are due to take place tonight (Tuesday) after an approved hike in staff members’ salaries prompted urgent calls for a complete review of the town council.
Ahead of an important full council meeting, town councillor Mike Charles proposed the council to undergo a critical two-month assessment of its operations in the hope it can be run as an ‘affordable organisation’.
It came after the council’s events co-ordinator Eadwine Brown moved on to pastures new leaving a vacancy to fill. And, according to Coun Charles, a welcome opportunity to discuss the authority’s financial state.
Earlier this year, the town council received heavy criticism after it was announced the town clerk Linda Blake would receive a 36 per cent pay increase, earning her £60,000 a year. Other administration staff, including the events co-ordinator, also benefitted from higher wages.
The authority later defended the move claiming an increase in salary benchmarks had been ‘long overdue’ and previous salaries had ‘fallen behind’ equivalent roles at other town councils across the UK.
But Coun Charles said there are concerns over what financial implications the pay hike will have moving forward.
In an agenda document for the full council meeting, Coun Charles tabled a motion reading: “That as a matter of urgency, Malvern Town Council agrees that the Mayor, along with all committee chairmen and the town clerk should critally 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.”
Should proposals for the review have been approved, the post of events co-ordinator may no longer exist. However, if the review vote was turned down then a new events co-ordinator will soon be appointed.
The proposed review was also backed by fellow councillor Paul Tuthill.
Councillors will vote on whether a review should be held. Mrs Blake declined to comment prior to the meeting.
Due to print deadlines, the Observer was unable to include details of the meeting in time for this week’s edition.
Visit www.malvernobserver.co.uk for the latest developments.
