Slough Councillors' Questions - 13 December 2005

 

Question 5
   

From:  Councillor May Dodds

As an elected member to the public office of Councillor, and as leader of your 'rainbow coalition' administration, you are obliged to abide by the seven principles of public life, including the second principle of integrity which states 'holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties'. Given that even the Shadow ALMO Board does not permit bankrupted individuals to be members, would you support changing the Council's constitution to prevent any individual who has been declared bankrupt from holding significant office, such as the Chair of a quasi-judicial committee, to ensure the public can have confidence in the probity of the decisions of your administration?

Reply: Councillor Richard Stokes

The fact that a Member has been adjudged bankrupt does not automatically disqualify him/her from acting as a Councillor. Disqualification will only arise where the person concerned has acted inappropriately.

It is for each Political Group to nominate Members to Committees/Sub-Committees and the Local Government & Housing Act 1989 places a duty on the Council to give effect to those wishes.

It is then for Members of that Committee/Sub-Committee to appoint a Chair from among its number. Members choose the best person for the role. I see no reason to depart from the existing Constitution and impose a 'blanket ban' on anyone who has had the misfortune of being adjudged bankrupt.

  28 December 2005      contact