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Question From: County Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe Subject: Removal of Members' support
Question:
Today I tried to contact our Members Support Officer to get support on a local issue. I was surprised to see that the officer had been redeployed to another part of the authority for 2 and a half days a week.
Whist I understand we are operating in a different way around covid19 I am disappointed that the only support officer that 73 members have has been cut without notification. I don't use that support very often but the support is critical when needed to support my residents and community in a timely manner. This support means that I am able to get to the right officers first time. I would like to think that I am able to deal with most issues and know who to speak to if needed on council issues. I am concerned that not all members have the experience or knowledge to get into every issue that comes up on a daily basis. We are also just over a year away from an election and if we want to encourage effective councillors we need the support to ensure we can do the best for the communities that elected us. This cut is just removing further support from our communities.
Can you please explain the rational with removing the support from members?
Minutes: Response by Head of Service:
Thank you for your question around the current role of a member support officer.
I would firstly point out that the role has not been “cut” as you suggest in your question.
The member support officer in question has been partially redeployed on a temporary basis to support the adult care team during a period of particular difficulty in that service during Covid-19.
The redeployment is flexible, and adequate support to Councillors is available from other members of the scrutiny and democratic service team. The importance of support for Councillors is fully recognised and understood.
I would also point out that the redeployment started on 18th January 2021 and only very limited issues have been raised with me which were resolved.
I also note that your email to member support was sent at 12.49 on March 1, 2021 and you received a response at 13.36 on the same day – that was within 47 minutes. |