Following yesterday’s release by Stop The Cuts Alliance, calling for resignations over the High Court judgement against the Isle of Wight council, this in from the Alliance, in their own words. Ed
In a bizarre twist to recent developments surrounding the illegal cuts farrago at County Hall, Councillor David Pugh has called for input from the Isle of Wight Stop the Cuts Alliance only a few weeks after he refused, in writing, to meet a delegation from the group.
A media statement was issued by the council leader early this morning reasserting his position of non-culpability regarding the illegal ‘Care cuts’ scandal. Within the statement Councillor Pugh called on the Alliance to stop criticising the council and instead offer alternative suggestions.
Alliance requested meeting
On 1 September 2011 the Alliance co-chairs wrote to Leader Pugh requesting a face to face meeting in order to exchange ideas and views.
In the letter, which was also copied to chief executive, Steve Beynon and George Brown, the chairs said, “From the outset, the Alliance attempted to offer reasoned critiques of County Hall budget cutting measures and tried to offer a number of positive alternatives… it is felt it could be fruitful for an Alliance delegation to meet senior IW Council representatives, such as yourself, to revisit these issues.
“Here is an opportunity for a meaningful and, it is hoped, fruitful consultations to take place in order to better inform elected members and officials of the wishes of the electorate.”
Cllr Pugh refused to meet delegation
Unfortunately, this letter fell on deaf ears and it was not until an official complaint was lodged that a response from Councillor Pugh was received, dated 5 October 2011, and unbelievably, sent to an incorrect address.
In the communication Councillor Pugh stated, “You suggest that meeting with a delegation from Stop the Cuts Alliance will enable us to be better informed about the wishes of the electorate … I do not believe this to be the case … and I cannot see how a meeting with you could enable us to be informed about the wishes of the electorate.”
“Not surprised by new twist”
An Alliance spokesman said, “we are not surprised by this new twist, it clearly shows that the Council Leader is rattled by recent events. Does he want our help, or doesn’t he?
“Perhaps if the council had listened to us from the outset – almost a year ago now – we may have been able to prevent them from breaking the law and becoming a laughing stock within the national press.”
