An Abuse of Public Money
The newspapers were awash yesterday with details of the crazy £285,000 tax-free golden handshake - paid to the former chief executive of the Shetlands Islands Council.
The Accounts Commission reported on the council's “haphazard” approach to governance and on “significant” tensions between councillors and officers - don't hold back then.
The former chief executive - David Clark – left the council with a shed load of public money - after only nine months in post.
While criticising the council for its behaviour the Accounts Commission - like most quangos lacks authority and real teeth - so that would appear to be the end of the matter.
In reality, both the council and the Accounts Commission are keen to pour oil on troubled waters - preferring to look forwards and not back.
But throwing away £285,000 in such ridiculous circumstances - is a complete abuse of public money.
The council, senior officials and councillors involved should answer for directly for their actions - simply being lambasted in the press is a punishment that doesn't 'fit the crime'.
The Accounts Commission reported on the council's “haphazard” approach to governance and on “significant” tensions between councillors and officers - don't hold back then.
The former chief executive - David Clark – left the council with a shed load of public money - after only nine months in post.
While criticising the council for its behaviour the Accounts Commission - like most quangos lacks authority and real teeth - so that would appear to be the end of the matter.
In reality, both the council and the Accounts Commission are keen to pour oil on troubled waters - preferring to look forwards and not back.
But throwing away £285,000 in such ridiculous circumstances - is a complete abuse of public money.
The council, senior officials and councillors involved should answer for directly for their actions - simply being lambasted in the press is a punishment that doesn't 'fit the crime'.
