The political situation at the County Council is not straightforward and I am writing to clarify what is going on, for the benefit of your readers.
For the past seven years the Conservative and Liberal Democrat groups have worked in a political partnership. This has delivered a record of demonstrably improving Council services over that period. We collectively addressed many of the difficult issues that Cumbria and the Council have encountered. And we have exciting plans to continue this work. Building the economy, improving education, refreshing infrastructure and waste management, and much more. All in all, placing Cumbria on a springboard ready and fit for the future.
We have worked in a spirit of co-operation and for the good of the County. As in many partnerships, however, there are times where being in partnership itself can cause tensions. We are going through such a period at present. But it is my hope that we can come through this re-invigorated and encouraged to continue delivering the improvements that are so badly needed in Cumbria.
When the Audit Commission measures our performance, and compares it with other Councils, we have been heartened by the progress we have made together. It was therefore extremely disappointing for both political parties and for the officers when we were alerted that a repetition of a mistake had occurred in the way the accounts were presented. Claims of the Deputy Leader being ‘sacked’, are exaggerated. I, as the Leader, wanted to support the Deputy in moving her from the budget portfolio to another Cabinet portfolio, which seemed a logical way forward.
The error in the way the accounts are presented may seem a technical matter, but it is regarded, by the Audit Commission, as a material error. This means that, no matter how hard officers across the County have worked in the past year to demonstrate improvements in the Council services to Cumbrians, the Audit Commission have no option but to keep our performance rating low at two stars.
This is a real disappointment for Councillors, Staff, partners and all those who benefit from the work of the Council. Make no mistake, we all like to be praised for performing well. It is frustrating therefore that no recognition can be made this year.
I am sure we will arrive at a solution to our local difficulties, and be able to continue in future years to deliver solid improvements across the services we deliver.
Councillor T.C Stoddard
Leader, Cumbria County Council
