A senior Fife councilor has questioned the effectiveness of the decision making structure in Fife House.
Councilor Mark Hood, Fife Labour Finance Spokesperson said that over 2,300 committee reports were produced by officers in the year 2009/10, totalling a staggering 22,000 pages and is calling for councilors to lead by example and cut what he calls ‘the bureaucracy and waste of thecurrent committee system’.
The Lochgelly and Cardenden councilor said; “Behind these figures is thousands of hours of officers time and taxpayers money, we have to question is this best use of scarce resources.
“I don’t think Fifers will think it fair that over the year these reports were produced we seen charges introduced and services for cut for the elderly, as well as teacher numbers being cut”.
The Labour councilor also questioned effectiveness of the committee structure questioning the quality of the decisions being made as a result of these reports.
Mr Hood said; “If you take for example the social work and health committee meeting in October where a report was presented to committee about this years social works budget outturn. Nowhere in the report was there mention of the possible impact of bed-blocking in Fife hospitals as a result of not having enough budget to meet the demand, it was not even identified as a risk. You also have to ask why so many reports go to committees of councilors for noting and is this the best way to govern a local authority. Most councils have got rid of this antiquated committee system recognising it is not the best way to make decisions ensuring good quality scrutiny and accountability.
He added; “We have gone from having three planning committees in Fife to now having eight, it just really does not make any sense and needs to be addressed”.
“There is a real opportunity to for the council to look at it’s committee structure, with a view of saving money and improving it’s performance and accountability to the people of Fife. The current system cannot be justified and I will be brining forward alternative proposals over the coming weeks”.
