Hucknall MP welcomes Government review into Ashfield Council
Hucknall MP Michelle Welsh has announced she has received confirmation from the Government that Ashfield Council will be subject to an official Governmental review
Ms Welsh (Lab) confirmed that she had received a response to her letter to the Department from Local Government about serious concerns she has raised about the leadership, governance and conduct of Ashfield Council.
In reply, Jim McMahon MP (Lab), Under-Secretary of State for Local Government confirmed that he has instructed Government officials to carry out a rapid Best Value Assessment of Ashfield Council, including the serious matters Ms Welsh has raised and to and to report back to him within the coming days.
Posting on her Facebook page, Ms Welsh said: “This is a rapid Government investigation into the concerns raised and represents a significant step forward in securing accountability and transparency.
“The Minister has also confirmed that senior Government officials have been instructed to seek an urgent meeting with the council's chief executive, a separate urgent meeting is being sought with the council's external auditor and a meeting with me is being arranged to discuss these serious matters further.”
The Prime Minister has said the Government is ‘monitoring’ the situation at the council after Ashfield MP Lee Anderson (Ref) claimed during Prime Minister’s Questions on October 28 that the authority was being ‘run by criminals’ and asked the Government to send in commissioners.
Ms Welsh has been working behind the scenes to get the Government to investigate the council, which has been under the spotlight since its’ former leader, Coun Jason Zadrozny, was appointed to the planning committee, just days after being found guilty in court of fraud and tax evasion.
Concerns have also been raised over the conduct of councillors involved with planning, with deputy leader Coun Tom Hollis singled out by Mr Anderson in the Commons.
Ms Welsh continued: “The minister has described the concerns raised as ‘very concerning indeed’ and has made clear his commitment to ensuring the highest standards of leadership, governance and financial management in local government.
“This is a hugely significant development.
For far too long, serious questions have been raised about the way Ashfield Council operates, the decisions being taken and the impact those decisions have on the communities we represent.
These concerns have developed over years, not months.
"They deserve proper scrutiny, transparency and answers.
I have been clear that we need an independent Government inspection that leaves no stone unturned.
“The Government has now taken the important step of launching this rapid assessment, and I welcome the minister's urgent intervention.
“However, this must be the beginning, not the end.
"I will continue to push for a full, independent inspection and for every serious concern to be properly examined.
“No council should be beyond scrutiny and no serious concern should be swept under the carpet.
"The people of Ashfield deserve answers and I will not stop pushing until that happens.”
Ms Welsh also confirmed on her Facebook page that she has secured meetings with Angela Rayner MP (Lab) Secretarty of State for Local Government, and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward (Lab) to raise her concerns about the council.