South Ayrshire Council News

The four political Leaders of South Ayrshire Council have united to reject the article that appeared in the Ayrshire Post dated Friday October 5 2007.

In a joint statement, they commented: “While we welcome informed opinion and debate on decisions taken by the Council, we are concerned and disappointed by the inaccuracies of the suggestions and remarks made in the front page article headlined “Council Bosses snub Chief Exec.”

“This particularly applies to the unfounded criticism of the professional role of officers advising the Council.

“At a special meeting on Friday 14th September 2007, South Ayrshire councillors took the decision that Chief Executive Tom Cairns would remain in post until 31st August 2008 and carry out an agreed work programme.

As a result of that meeting, an option to write to external auditors was exercised, to establish all of the facts leading up to the decision. This reflects our commitment to working in an open and transparent manner.”

“The Council’s senior officers are professional members of staff and fully support the work of the Council. Every member of staff will continue to discharge their duties in full.

The Council’s Corporate Management Team also expressed their strong concerns and said: “We find it unusual that the Ayrshire Post has run an article which is wholly based on the inaccurate information of an unnamed source, without allowing the members of staff being named the courtesy and opportunity to respond.

“As the team of senior officers, we are fully responsible for implementing Council policy and all decisions made by elected representatives. We remain absolutely committed to working together to deliver first class services to the people of South Ayrshire.”

South Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive, Tom Cairns commented: “I am really looking forward to working with my colleagues at elected member and officer level on the work programme agreed. I am pleased that I have the full support of the Council in delivering that programme.”