Glasgow's Senior Officials

Here's an interesting article from the Evening Times which reports that two senior council officials in Glasgow are to face disciplinary action over their expenses claims.

I wrote about this at the time and I'm astonished that the investigation has been allowed to drag on for all these months. 

So when I get a minute I'll republish the relevant posts because they're a real eye-opener. 


   

https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17312598.two-council-bosses-face-disciplinary-action-over-expenses-probe/?

Two council bosses face disciplinary action over expenses probe

By Stewart Paterson @PatersonHT - Evening Times 21/12/18



TWO senior council bosses face further action after an expenses investigation reached its closing stages.

Richard Brown, executive director of Development and Regeneration Services, and Tom Turley, assistant director, were under investigation by the city council for alleged breaches of expenses rules.

While the authority says the process is ongoing, it is understood the essential elements of the probe have been completed and the result passed to the council chief executive, Annemarie O’Donnell, in line with procedures.

The two men are understood to have been informed of the content of the investigation, which sources said has found there may be a case to answer, leaving the prospect of a disciplinary hearing.

Both are facing the prospect of action which could lead to them losing their jobs in the new year.

A probe was launched earlier this year after it was revealed they had claimed for first class flights, trains and top hotels in a number of cities around the world.

The amount in question has not been specified but is thought to be a five-figure sum.

It was also alleged that some claims for spending on trips were not supported by receipts.

Following reports of the investigation, it is thought some money had been paid back to the council.

Mr Brown, 49, has had a life-long career in local government. He was appointed director of the Development and Regeneration Service in 2012, under the previous Labour administration.

He has led a department at a time of massive regeneration projects in the city from the river front developments to the regeneration of the east end for the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

Mr Brown previously worked for Strathclyde Regional Council from 1988 before transferring to Glasgow City Council in 1996 under local government reorganisation. He also previously worked as managing director of the council’s arm’s-length property company City Property, and managing director of Community Planning.

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: “It is incorrect to say there is disciplinary action.

“We have previously confirmed an investigation process and it would be inappropriate to comment while that remains ongoing.”