Sally Loudon, CEO of Argyll and Bute Council has emailed all councillors, updating them on discussions of an unspecified nature between Audit Scotland and the council.
Since this email has already been transmitted by the media, former Council Leader, Councillor James Robb has made public his reply to it and the text of both emails is given below.
The Robb response opens up the quite bizarre news that the council appears to be considering challenging the Controller of Audit’s opinion. The grounds for such a challenge would make interesting reading and it would achieve – what?
‘Those whom the Gods wish to destroy they first make mad’.
Sally Loudon yesterday asserted to the Dunoon Observer: ‘There has been no misrepresentation. The council’s statements have been consistent with the terms of paragraphs 58 and 59 in the Audit Scotland report.’
The Chief Executive’s email to councillors
Dear Councillor
Members will remember that, on 20th November the Leader and Depute Leader issued an email to all Councillors providing a private and confidential briefing in relation to matters concerning Actual Reality and Castle Toward/Ardentinny. That briefing was subsequently released without their agreement into the public domain, which has generated local media interest, and further correspondence.
I have been in on-going contact with the Controller of Audit regarding Audit Scotland/The Accounts Commission’s engagement with the Council. The Controller of Audit has specifically sent me an email, received on Monday 2nd December, on aspects of Audit Scotland’s engagement with the Council, which has again found its way into the public domain and generated further interest.
My correspondence with the Controller of Audit is on-going, and the purpose of this email is, firstly, to confirm that position and, secondly to advise that a further update(s) will be provided to all Councillors, as soon as I am in a position to do so.
Sally Loudon
Chief Executive
Councillor Robb’s reply
From: Robb, James (Councillor)
Sent: 04 December 2013 09:47
To: Loudon, Sally; #All Councillors
Subject: RE: Correspondance with the Controller of Audit
Sally
I am still waiting for an explanation from the Council Leader on why he sent different versions of that letter to various members. I am still waiting for a reply from Douglas Hendry on the same matter. These impact directly on the Accounts Commission’s concerns over effective political leadership, good governance, member to member and member to officer relationships which appear to have deteriorated in the last few months.
As usual updates on this situation are appearing in the media rather than from the Council. The reputational damage to the Council from the actions of its current political leadership may be irrecoverable. May I express my concern around the suggestions that management are considering contesting the opinion of the Controller of Audit. That could be disastrous for the Council.
I look forward to your earliest response.
Many thanks
regards
James
