"Tories overlook West Berkshire staff" - Brooks

12.00.00am GMT Thu 11th Jan 2007

West Berkshire Council's Overview & Scrutiny Commission is holding the Tory administration to account over plans to make changes to staff car leasing arrangements without consulting employees. Proposals passed at a recent Executive meeting received criticism from council trade union representatives for their failure to consult non-union staff members and expressed concern that 'West Berkshire Council is moving away from the open and consultative style which has served it well since the Unitary authority was created'.

Councillor Jeff Brooks, who chairs the Overview & Scrutiny Commission, commented:

"There were faults in the consultation with staff whose terms and conditions were changing. Inconsistencies and confusion within all consultation exercises have become the norm under this Administration. We have recommended there should be a full review of how the council consults with its staff as the consultation process both internally and externally is very flawed and both need complete review. We urge the Executive body to take on board these recommendations without delay."

Recommendations to ask the Tory Executive to reconsider the strong objections posed by the Trade Unions were adopted by Lib Dem members of the Scrutiny Commission, with Tory members abstaining. The recommendations will be heard by the Executive at the meeting on 11th January, 6.30pm.