A Bedford Borough councillor has questioned whether comments made by senior elected figures could expose the authority to employment legal risk, as the council faces a government-ordered Best Value inspection.
The issue was raised at this week’s Audit Committee on Wednesday, following recent public remarks by mayor Tom Wootton, who said he was “horrified” by alleged “systemic mismanagement” at the authority.
Read: Bedford Borough mayor calls for CEO’s resignation over “systemic mismanagement” at council
During the meeting, cllr Ben Foley (Green, Greyfriars) asked a hypothetical question.
“Would there be concerns raised by auditors if the council got itself in a situation where those in senior elected roles have made comments that could have contributed to an unfair dismissal case by a member of senior staff?” the councillor asked.
Read: Government inspectors to examine Bedford Borough Council as financial pressures continue
The council’s head of internal audit, Surinder Momi, said such issues would usually only come to his attention through a formal HR audit process.
“If it gets referred to me, I’ll consult with our head of HR and see what the allegations are, and what’s been breached between member-officer protocol,” he said.
Mr Momi told councillors he would then decide how to take any concerns forward.
Read: What is a “best value” inspection – and why does it matter to Bedford?
The exchange comes as Bedford Borough Council awaits the outcome of a statutory inspection ordered by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government into whether the authority is meeting its legal Best Value duty.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
