Spurious Labour Claims are Challenged by CEC Leader, Rachel Bailey
“As has been the practice of the Labour Party for the last two years they continue to attempt to reinvigorate old news by repeating the same issues time and time again; last weeks Budget Council Meeting was the same old story. I therefore yet again find the need to write to put the same record straight, not only for the residents of the Borough, members of my Group who have supported the work to deal with historic matters, but also for the Cheshire East Officers who continue to deliver excellent and award winning services in so many areas of the over 500 services provided.
It is nearly three years since I was elected Leader of Cheshire East Council following the then Mayor’s rightful decision to “call out poor behaviour” and the lack of action by this Council. Since that time I have worked to address all matters, no matter how big or small, using proper process, irrespective of who they involve or what they relate to. So why have we been able to do this? The introduction of our policies and procedures to support good practice has meant that we have continued to share any matters which could be of a criminal nature with the Police and, despite the obvious fear at this from the Labour Group, we have been open and transparent about our actions.
I am clear that Cheshire East Council is now ‘strong’; I am also clear that Cheshire East Council has the necessary governance, behaviours and arrangements in place to ensure that irrespective of who or what, the challenges are, not only are the systems in place to deal with them but that ‘we’ (the whole Council) are strong enough to both recognise the issue and to ‘speak out’ about them.
Evidence of this is easily accessible in the Annual Audit Statement, that I have referenced previously as an excellent summary of the work achieved and progress, as well as proof that effective governance is now alive and kicking.
I say to the residents of Cheshire East, thank you for your patience as we have worked to put things right.”
