Third senior suspension at Cheshire East

A third senior member of staff has been suspended by Cheshire East Council, with chief operating officer Peter Bates the latest employee to be removed from duty.

The local authority’s investigation and disciplinary committee met yesterday to further consider its concerns about officer conduct. The committee reviewed its previous decisions regarding Bates, who had been working on reduced duties, with the decision being taken to suspend him.

A statement issued by Cllr Howard Murray, chairman of the investigation and disciplinary committee, said: “We would stress that suspension is a neutral act taken in the interests of both the council and the individual. It would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”

Appropriate arrangements will be put in place to ensure that the responsibilities of Bates’ role are covered, the council said.

Chief executive Mike Suarez was suspended in April – since which time his duties have been carried out by deputy Kath O’Dwyer – with head of legal services Bill Norman following in July.

Recent years have seen Cheshire East become involved in various controversies over the conduct of both elected members and officers, along with the council becoming embroiled in a series of legal wrangles over development. This has been another troubled year for the council, with Cheshire Constabulary launching an investigation into the manipulation of air quality data between 2012 and 2014.

The investigation and disciplinary committee is due to reconvene next Monday, 11 December.

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Surprised? No.

By Tiny Jackel

A vote of no confidence is essential against Cheshire East Council now this is a ridiculous and embarrassing state of affairs for people tasked with the honest business of carrying out the needs of local people and businesses.

By Kevin Clarke

Cheshire East council have made a lot of People unhappy with the decision they have made regarding planning. When complaints were made the staff just laughed. The most unfeeling individuals I have met

By Eileen

Just a mess, coupled with a Planning Committee out of step with what people want – Cheshire Lakes Water Park an obvious example!!!

By Mr Handforth

Complaints regarding Development Management are brushed aside. Consequently, we have concluded that a formal complaint is a waste of time and counterproductive.
Maybe they are just understaffed?

By Palfreyman R.I. pp APPLLP llp

I think we need to know much more about what exactly is going on in Cheshire East. These suspensions seem to be protracted and long at our expense no doubt. How can you justify your spending and put up out Council taxes. Without us knowing exactly how it is being spent. I for one do not feel we are getting any truth at all. All very hush hush. A disgraceful situation.

By Maria Barber

We the public are simply allowing the council to treat us as they please. How can they be paid so much and have so little power or regard for the public they are meant to serve. Where else do you pay more and get less.
Driving to work over the past 2 days it’s obvious which council are responsible for the roads. Cheshire West have clearly gritted the roads.

By Anonymous

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