Following the secrecy around the legal discussions of the Floating Bridge 6, an Isle of Wight councillor wants the authority to ‘rebuke’ the leader.
Last month it was announced the authority had reached a confidential, financial settlement with the boatbuilders and architects of the £3.2 million troubled vessel.
Criticism over settlement confidentiality
It was the council’s effort to try to recoup some of the money it has spent on the multiple breakdowns, malfunctions, repairs and replacement crossings to keep the service going.
However, the council’s ruling Alliance Administration has been criticised for keeping parts of the decision-making process surrounding the legal action quiet.
Cllr Phil Jordan, the Cabinet member for transport explained at the time why the confidentiality agreement was absolutely necessary as part of the mediation settlement.
Call to ‘rebuke’ leader
In a motion to the full Isle of Wight council set to be heard tomorrow (Wednesday) Cllr Geoff Brodie is asking members to ‘rebuke’ Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox following a decision she made earlier this year which was not made public at the time.
In his motion, Cllr Brodie notes the dispute was settled by mediation and confirms a non-disclosure agreement was signed regarding the details.
Authority to settle mediation given to senior officer
He also says the authority to settle the mediation was granted by Cllr Peacey-Wilcox in February this year, in consultation with Cllr Phil Jordan, the cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, to a senior officer through a delegated decision.
A delegated decision is the process of a senior councillor determining a matter that is viewed as key, material or significant without consultation of the full council.
Usually, a delegated decision is subject to a call-in period, where councillors have the right to challenge or question the decision that was made.
Claim that delegated decision was not made public
Cllr Brodie, however, said the delegated decision made by Cllr Peacey-Wilcox nine months ago was never made known to all councillors through any of her reports to full council, “as should be expected of a transparent and accountable administration”.
Since the announcement was made that the mediation had been settled, the authority has refused to comment or explain further.
A new floating bridge remains a possibility
In a press release, Cllr Jordan said a new floating bridge remains a possibility, but whatever they do, must be done correctly to make the service better, reliable and more frequent.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
