South West: Un-ethical?

Martyn Oates
Politics Show BBC South West

The Government's so called ethics police have been accused of squandering thousands of pounds conducting investigations into trivial squabbles between rival councillors, many of them in the South West.

Cllr Henry Roberts outside the church in which he allegedly declined the communion bread

Now councillors who have fallen victim to the Standards Board of England's lengthy ethics probes, the vast majority of which result in absolutely nothing, are calling for a review into the way it operates.

Howard Roberts is a Lanlivery resident of 35 years. A long standing Parish councillor, County Councillor and former church warden.

Some might call him a fine upstanding member of a small community. But recently he was investigated by the Standards Board for "misconduct".

The story begins with a loaf of bread. The bread was baked by one of Howard Roberts' neighbours.

She claims he refused to eat her bread at Sunday communion, and this she said was tantamount to harassment and humiliation, and deemed him unfit for public service.

Her complaint went straight to London. While the allegation was a minor one, the investigation that ensued, and it's effect on the accused, was not.

No further action

More than 50% of the 3,500 allegations received by the Standards board last year came from low level politicians serving unpaid on parish or town councils.

80% of those investigated at an average cost of £2000 - £3,500 resulted in no further action.

The government's so called ethics police now stand accused of squandering thousands of pounds of public money on trivial squabbling.

But not all allegations received by the Board are referred for investigation.

Two thirds of them are rejected, that would indicate that there is a screening process in place.

Is the process working?

Elsewhere in the South West the Board's intervention in trivial bickering has been prolific.

Brian Cotton and Frank Pearson serve on Ilfracombe Town Council.

Their fiery relationship has resulted in 11 investigations by the Standards Board. Only one complaint has been upheld.

They agree on few things though they do manage to find some common ground on the roll of the Standards Board.

Frank agrees with it in principle, though he recognises there is room for improvement.

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Let us know what you think. That is the Politics Show Sunday 01 February at Midday.

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