Bournemouth Liberal Democrats
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Report Casts Doubt on Legality and Value for Money of Mouchel Deal
November 29, 2011 2:44 PM
The deal made by the Conservative Council involves the outsourcing of hundreds of millions of pounds of council services to the troubled business services firm Mouchel.
The leaked report by Stephen Parker, the former Chief Accountant for Bournemouth Council stated:
"as Chief Accountant I have expressed serious doubts about the value for money and deliverability of the contract"
He also questions the firms financial stability.
Stephen Parker was suspended and escorted from the building by security staff after he questioned the deal, UNISON the public service trade union want Parker treated as a whistleblower.
Mouchel has vast doubts of £87 million and in the last year made a pre-tax lose of £14.7 in the 2010 financial year, this and a plunge in share price has caused speculation over a possible takeover
Lib Dem Councillor Roger West stated in an interview with BBC South Today that:
"I'm not convinced that a company in such dire financial straits will offer our staff, our hard working loyal staff that opportunity to further their careers"
In a BBC article Lib Dem Leader, Carol Ainge, said she "totally supports" Mr Parker's actions "who in my opinion was only raising his concerns"
BBC article : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-15827109
She continued in saying that "His report was vital and should have been considered in conjunction with the report to cabinet.
"Stephen Parker is a conscientious loyal hard working officer whom I believe has only ever had the reputation of the council at heart"
In the same article deputy leader Roger West added: "It's appalling - this man tols the truth, then he was marched out of the town hall. He's been suspended but no one knows why.
"He should be treated with a great deal of respect - not just as a whislteblower but also an upstanding, loyal servant to the council"
The council has declined to state what the allegations against Mr Parker are being being investigated.