Scrutiny Remains Fair On The Vale

4.34.49pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th May 2007

Vale Liberal Democrats have confirmed their desire for the Council to remain democratic following their comprehensive victory in the District Council elections on May 3rd by agreeing to continue to offer the Chair of the Scrutiny committee to the Tory opposition party. The Liberal Democrats increased their majority on the Council to 17 seats on May 3rd.

The Chair of Scrutiny on the Vale has been given the leader of the Tory opposition since the new system for local authorities came into effect in 2000. The aim of Scrutiny committees is to oversee the work of the Council's ruling Executive and the Liberal Democrats have always supported proper oversight of the work of the Council.

By contrast the Tories took the paid Chairmanships of all committees when they won the County Council elections in 2005, including the important Scrutiny committees. This means that the Tories can thus control both the agenda and the meeting to stifle debate and restrict criticism, which has hindered the role of opposition parties in keeping a check on the Tory administration at County Hall.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Andrew Crawford will be put forward for the position of Vice Chair of Scrutiny on Wednesday, taking over from retiring Councillor Derek Rawson. The Vale has been commended by the Audit Commission for the good work of its scrutiny committee and the sharing of roles between the parties.

Cllr Crawford said: "I am very pleased to be given this opportunity to work on Scrutiny. This committee is a vital part of the work of the Council since Scrutiny keeps a check on the Executive. It is therefore entirely appropriate for the opposition to lead on this work and I shall assist them in this. With any luck the Tory chair will learn from their experience on the Vale and deliver a clear message to their Tory colleagues on the County Council that democracy is not something to fear but something to embrace."