Gaming the System and Public Money

I've written again to the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney drawing his attention to another example of  politicians 'gaming the system' over councillors' pay.

In my experience all politicians love to pontificate about standards in public life especially when the finger is pointed at members of other parties.

So the test here is whether the Scottish Government will act without fear or favour over an issue that's about probity and the proper use of public money - which really ought to transcend the usual partisan party politics. 

Dear Mr Swinney

Gaming the System on Councillors' Salaries

I refer to my letter dated 15 November 2021 and the Scottish Government regulations governing the payment of councillors' salaries in Scotland (Your Reference: 202100255417).

A further example of politicians 'gaming the system' has come to light recently involving the Leader of Clackmannanshire Council, Cllr Ellen Forson, who has a second job acting as Office Manager for Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

In my view, this is another clear breach of the scheme governing councillors' salaries in Scotland as well as an egregious use of public money since a councillor with a full-time, senior role cannot possibly be fully focused and do their job properly, if they also have other paid employment which makes significant demands on their time. 

I wrote to Mr Brown on 25 November 2021 and attach a copy of my this letter a former is attached for your information - Mr Brown is a former leader of Clackmannanshire Council, as you are probably aware. 

I suspect that Glasgow and Clackmannanshire councils may not turn out to be isolated examples and will forward details of any further cases that come to my attention. 

I look forward to hearing from you in due course.

Kind regards

Mark Irvine

-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Irvine <markirvine@compuserve.com>
To: keith.brown.msp@parliament.scot <keith.brown.msp@parliament.scot>
Sent: Thu, Nov 25, 2021 10:35 am
Subject: Public Money and SNP Politicians

Dear Mr Brown

Public Money and SNP Politicians

I understand the SNP leader of Clackmannanshire Council, Cllr Ellen Forson, is also employed as Office Manager in your local constituency office as the MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane.

I would be grateful if you can explain the nature of the councillor's employment in your office including the time commitment involved and cost to the public purse?

Because it does seem extraordinary that a senior councillor can draw two public salaries at the same time, especially as the role of Council Leader has already been designated as a full-time commitment and paid accordingly - in accordance with the legislation and nationally agreed scheme covering councillors' salaries in Scotland.

I realise that I am not one of your constituents, but as Deputy Leader of the SNP I am sure you appreciate the wider interest in the way public money is spent by public institutions such as Clackmannanshire Council and the Scottish Parliament. 

I look forward to your reply.

Mark Irvine