------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 20th 2025, 16:44
Subject: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Thank you for your email and for taking the time to raise your concerns.

Firstly, regarding the frequency of meetings, it is council officers, not councillors, senior or otherwise, who determine the number of meetings required.

Secondly, while formal meetings are a significant part of council business, they represent only a portion of the responsibilities and time commitments undertaken by senior councillors in their enhanced roles.

Finally, absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.


That said, I value the thought and care behind your concerns.

All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

While I believe I have addressed your concerns as fully as appropriate in this instance, if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member or other relevant authority.

I trust this response provides clarity, and I thank you once again for bringing these matters to my attention.

Kind regards
Gordon


------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 20th 2025, 19:29
Subject: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Thanks for this response.

However, sorry, but I do think it needs some clarification.

You say -

'Firstly, regarding the frequency of meetings, it is council officers, not councillors, senior or otherwise, who determine the number of meetings required.'

I did no ask asked who determines number of meetings. Don't understand the point you are making. Would appreciate if you would clarify.

Is there not a Calendar of Meetings produced yearly and approved by Councillors at Full Council.

You say -

'Secondly, while formal meetings are a significant part of council business, they represent only a portion of the responsibilities and time commitments undertaken by senior councillors in their enhanced roles.'

I am sure Members of Committees also take time and responsibilty to read papers etc and prepare themselves for their committee meetings.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitmets the Chair undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

5 out of 12 in 2022
3 out of 11 in 2023
1 out of 11 in 2024

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

You say -

'Finally, absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.'

Yes I agree absences from scheduled commitments can occur for various reasons, some of which may be clear and others more private.

But surely questions have to be raised over the system being abused when a Chair does not chairi 25 of 34 meetings but is has taken roughly £13,689 and not chairing -

7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

I don't think what you say above negates any proposition put forward that the system is not apparently being abused.

You say -

'That said, I value the thought and care behind your concerns. All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. While I believe I have addressed your concerns as fully as appropriate in this instance, if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member or other relevant authority.'

If you say - 'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.'

Why are you not taking this responsibility yourself?

Why are you ' passing the buck' and puting this responsibility on another elected member by asking me to contact them and not initiating appropriate action yourself?

What other relevant authority do you suggest?

Your help in providing this clarity will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, January 21st 2025, 09:15
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Sorry a few glitches with my keyboard. Have tidied up and below is more readable.

Would still appreciate response giving the requested clarification.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, January 27th 2025, 11:00
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Would appreciate if you give the clarification requested in this and below email.

I need clarification to enable me to progress the matter further, and contact other elected members should I so wish, with a better understanding of your position.

Especially regarding your responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, but your decision not to take this responsibility in this case.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitments the Chair undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

5 out of 12 in 2022
3 out of 11 in 2023
1 out of 11 in 2024

But surely questions have to be raised/asked over the system being abused when a Chair does not chair 25 of 34 meetings, but has taken roughly £13,689 and has not chaired ? -

7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

If you say - 'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.'

Why are you not taking this responsibility yourself?

Why are you ' passing the buck' and passing this responsibility on to another elected member by asking me to contact them and not initiating appropriate action yourself?

It would appear you are actually more concerned in making excuses and trying to protect the Chair rather than investigate and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, January 31st 2025, 11:20
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

As you have declined not to take responsibility I take it that you support

the current Planning Applications/LRB Committee Chair in only chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since appointment in May 2022 and support them apparently taking remuneration of roughly £13,689 for work they may not have carried out

Chaired 5 out of 12 meetings in 2022
Chaired 3 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Chaired 1 out of 11 meetings in 2024

The Senior Councillor has taken roughly £13,689, for Chairing 9 out of 34 meetings since May 2022(period of 31 months).

(Senior Councillors takes roughly £5,300 pa in addition to Basic Salary)

This is roughly £1521 for each meeting chaired.

Would appreciate if you confirm my conclusion or give reason(s) why this conclusion is not correct.

Would appreciate if you give the clarification requested in this and below email.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

Remaining silent and hoping matters will disappear regarding payments to Councillors is never the correct way forward in these circumstances.

I would appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks


------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 7th 2025, 13:16
Subject: Your Responsibilty Regarding Apparent Abuse of Senior Council Remuneration - Chairing of only 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 by Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees

Dear Cllr Wallace

I would still appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration and would appreciate courtesy of response to this and previous unanswered emails below.

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees  in only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- Has apparently taken in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- Has apparently taken in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- Has apparently taken in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

(Above updated from previous to reflect more accurate figures)

You have written to say it is your responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds...

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... if you feel these issues require further investigation, you may wish to consider raising them with another elected member...'

It would appear, by keeping silent and ignoring the matter, Councillors are actually more concerned in covering over this apparent abuse rather than ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds and investigating the apparent abuse.

Would appreciate if you can say what portion of responsibilities and time commitments Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees undertook when only chairng 9 of 34 meetings?

As you have not given a response, would also appreciate if you confirm my understanding that

- You support the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees in Chairing only 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and consider this acceptable behaviour by a Senior Councillor.

- You support and consider it acceptable the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,634, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chaired 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022 (From May 2022)
Not Chaired 8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Not Chaired 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

Councillors appoint these posts/councillors.

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

Therefor ALL Councillors are responsible for these appointments and it is perfectly reasonable to seek your response.

I am informed -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

It would therefore appear you are responsible, can investigate and depending on the outcome of the investigation either -

Bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role.

Suggest to a Senior Elected Member they step down from their role.

or

Give reasons why 

the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees taking the remuneration of roughly £13,634, for only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking remuneration for meetings they have not chaired

Not Chairing 7 out of 12 meetings in 2022
Not Chairing8 out of 11 meetings in 2023
Not Chairing 10 out of 11 meetings in 2024

is acceptable and continue as is.

Council Leader Cllr Owen O'Donnell provided these answers to questions, avoiding giving any answers to if the Senior Councillor Remunerstion was being abused.

Q1. Under what circumstances/reasons can a Councillor cease to be entitled to a Senior Councillor Salary?

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Q8. Would appreciate if you would give the reasons why the current Chair has and would appear to be classed as a Senior Councillor with the remuneration paid of £25,128 when they have only Chaired 6 of these 18 Planning Application meetings and 2 of these 15 Local Review Body Meetings.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as outlined in my response to question 1 above.

Full Council Meeting - 25 May 2022
It would appear there is no archive recording available for this meeting on Council website.

From meeting minute -

(xvi) Appointment of Planning Applications Committee Chair and Vice Chair
Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Devlin, moved that Councillor Cunningham be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Convery, moved as an amendment that Councillor Ireland be appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

On the roll being called, Provost Montague and Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Cunningham, Devlin, Edlin, Macdonald, McLean, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday, and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Accordingly, the motion was declared carried and Councillor Cunningham appointed Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.

The Council unanimously agreed that Councillor McLean be appointed Vice Chair of the Planning Applications Committee.


Full Council Meeting - 29 June 2022
You can view recording on Council youtube channel here -



From the minute -

Apologies:
Councillors Betty Cunningham and Jim McLean

NOTICE OF MOTION – SENIOR COUNCILLOR ALLOWANCES
48. In accordance with Standing Order 25, the following notice of motion had been submitted by Councillor O’Donnell, seconded by Councillor Anderson.
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

Councillor Buchanan, seconded by Councillor Bamforth, moved an amendment in the following terms:-
That a Senior Councillor Allowance for the Vice Chair of Planning will not be created and the Senior Councillor Allowance not be removed from the position of Convener of Environment.

On the roll being called, Councillors Anderson, Campbell, Devlin, Edlin, Provost Montague, Morrison, O’Donnell, Pragnell and Wallace voted for the motion.

Councillors Bamforth, Buchanan, Convery, Ireland, Lunday and Merrick voted for the amendment.

Councillor Macdonald abstained.

There being 9 votes for the motion, 6 for the amendment and 1 abstention, the motion was declared carried.

The administration and the leader of Council do not appoint appoint Chair and Vice Chair etc.

A Motion to appoint is put before Full Council.

All Councillors vote for the Motion or an Amendment if one is submitted.

The appointment of Senior Councillors is an initiative that ensures monetory gain for those chosen as Senior Councillors.

Abuse of the system brings all Councillors into disrepute.

I would still appreciate your action to confront this apparent abuse of the Senior Councillor Remuneration.

As said, If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you just ignoring the matter, without any investigation.

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks

------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, February 11th 2025, 07:21
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Thank you for your email.

I believe I have addressed the concerns you raised and acknowledge your response, which indicates that you still believe an abuse of public funds may have occurred or is ongoing.

If that is indeed the case, you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,


Kind regards
Gordon
Gordon Wallace (Cllr)
Giffnock & Thornliebank (Ward 3)

------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Tuesday, February 11th 2025, 10:58
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Senior Council Salary of £26,686 as compared to basic salary of £21,345(Now as at 1 April 2024)

Dear Cllr Wallace

Thanks for taking the time to give response.

If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you covering over the matter, without any investigation.

Would appreciate if after reading below you can take a little time to phone me on ...

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

Where did you get the direction that Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council is the person to deal with this matter when you say

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

Why is it not your responsibility to deal with the matter?

As you can see below you can submit a motion -

'any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role'

Why will you not bring bring forward a motion to Council to remove this Senior Councillor from such a role?

Why do you not submit the concers to Chief auditor, East Renfreshire Council ?

Is it not of concern to yourself?

If not, why not?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

It would therefore appear you are responsible, can investigate and depending on the outcome of the investigation either -

Bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role.

Suggest to a Senior Elected Member that they step down from their role.

Again, If you can prove to me and give reasons why there has been no abuse then I can accept that, rather than you just ignoringcovering over the matter, without any investigation.

It is my understanding that

You support the Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees  in only Chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

(Above updated from previous to reflect more accurate figures)

Your help in giving response will be appreciated.

Thanks


------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Monday, March 3rd 2025, 11:34
Subject: Re: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Chief Auditor

Dear Cllr Wallace

I am looking for an amicable resolution to this apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration.

Would appreciate if after reading below you can take a little time to respond and/or phone me on ...

I did write to Chief Auditor(attached below) as instructed in your email.

However I have received this response and have been denied access to the Chief Auditor.


------ Original Message ------
From: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Friday, February 21st 2025, 15:59
Subject: Chairing/Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees 
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE
OFFICIAL-SENSITIVE

Further to your e-mail of 16th February to Michelle Blair regarding the above issue, I write to advise that officers are of the view that you have already received a comprehensive response from the Leader of the Council in relation to this matter. As such, the Council does not intend to respond to any further requests from you for information on this topic .

Yours faithfully,
Legal Services


- I wrote to the Chief auditor (16/2/2025) on your instruction. The Chief Auditor has not acknowledged/given response.

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

I really must protest in the strongest terms that on a matter where

a Councillor Committee Chair has apparently taken money for only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and apparently taking the full remuneration (apparently £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) and apparently taking this money for work they have not carried out,

that Council Officials have overturned your (Cllr Wallace's) instruction to contact the Chief Auditor and denied access to the Chief Auditor to investigate transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.


------ Original Message ------
To: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sent: Sunday, February 16th 2025, 10:10
Subject: Chairing /Non Chairing of Planning Application/LRB Committees - Apparent abuse of Senior Councillor Remuneration

To: Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council

Dear Michelle

Please read below email (February 11th 2025, 07:21) from Cllr Gordon Wallace instructing me to write to you, and my reply (February 11th 2025, 10:58) below(to which he did not give response).

Would appreciate if you will give details of your involvement in these matters(apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration system), if they are referred to you.

Did you tell Cllr Wallace when he says

'you may consider submitting your concerns in writing to Ms Michelle Blair, Chief Auditor, East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, G46 6UG or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .,'

that you as Chief Auditor, East Renfreshire Council are the person to deal with this matter?

What investigations do you carry out?

What is considered an abuse?

Who do you contact for information?

What powers of investigation do you have to investigate if a case of apparent abuse of Senior Councillor remuneration is made known to you?

What powers/penalties/sanctions do you have if remuneration has been abused?

It is my understanding -

In accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders, any Elected Member can bring forward a motion to Council to remove a Senior Councillor from such a role. A Senior Elected Member may also decide to step down from their role.

Once appointed as a Senior Elected Member they have entitlement to the allowance set out in the Scheme until they resign or are removed from that position as above.

Can you request Elected Members bring forward such a motion to remove a Senior Councillor from their role ?

The Chair of Planning Application/LRB Committees  has only chaired 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022

- apparently taking in 2022 from May 2022 approx £3,264 for chairing 5 meetings out of 12 (with Remuneration £24,467 - Basic £19,571 salary)

- apparently taking in 2023 £5,029 for chairing 3 meetings out of 11 (with Remuneration £25,128 - Basic £20,099 salary)

- apparently taking in 2024 £5,341 for chairing 1 meeting out of 11 (with Remuneration £26,686 - Basic £21,345 salary)

Only chairing 9 of 34 Meetings held since May 2022 and taking the full remuneration (including £5,341 for chairing only 1 meeting out of 11 in 2024) would appear to be a serious abuse of the system.

Cllr wallace has also stated that he has responsibility -

'All elected members have a shared responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds... '

What responsibility do you and Cllr Wallace have regarding investigating/applying sanctions in this matter?

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks


Would appreciate if after reading above you can take a little time to respond and/or phone me on ...

Your help will be appreciated.

Thanks