CAMPAIGN Update: Somerset West and Taunton Finally Replies!

 

Somerset Lib Dems
Do Not Support DBS Checks

 

Following our campaign for DBS checks for all Somerset councillors, and our previous updates, we have an update on one of the district councils.

Somerset West and Taunton Council was formed by the forced merger, against residents' wishes, of Taunton Deane and West Somerset councils.

The merger has already cost taxpayers millions of pounds.

But has the change from Tory control to Liberal Democrat control resulted in better responses to residents?

No.

Friends of Galmington Playing Fields, who are fighting to save their beloved playing fields from development by the NHS or its charities, were given promises by the Liberal Democrats before last year's elections. We have seen from public statements given by the Friends, that the Lib Dems were once again the Fib Dems. They have not kept their promises.

Also before last year's elections, the public was told by Lib Dem Councillor Mike Rigby, who is responsible for heritage in the Council, that the Tory record was awful on Tonedale Mill, the derelict mill. Yet eighteen months later, he will not answer questions from us on what he has done differently. This is despite being given several opportunities to do so, and his Tory "Heritage Champion" Councillor Roger Habgood also promising us answers. Instead, they want to meet with us to talk about it. We have told them that we will meet, but only when we have answers from them in writing first!

And so to DBS checks for councillors, what was SWT Council's response to our questions?

We sent them a set of questions back in August. It took them TWO MONTHS to respond, and we had to chase them to get those answers. The Leveller had also asked them similar questions about DBS checks.

The Leveller Article on DBS Checks

 

SWT Council told us and The Leveller very similar answers, but we have a lot more than the below. They told us and we quote:

"SWT does not carry out DBS checks for Councillors as there is no legal basis to do so.  The DBS advice, given to another District Council in 2016 was “Councillors and Mayors, as named positions, are not eligible for a DBS check. However, it is accepted that individuals tasked with certain functions would have been eligible for an 'Enhanced' level check with a check against the appropriate Barred list. However, following changes in legislation, and the enactment of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012, those positions were removed from the scope of Regulated Activity and consequentially an entitlement now only exists for a Councillor (not Mayor) at 'Enhanced only' level if the individual retains those same responsibilities. Please take into consideration that DBS checks are not mandatory unless there exists a piece of legislation that makes checks a requirement for the role being offered.”

 

If the councillor or Mayor has other duties that they carry out outside of their role of Councillor, that would meet the conditions for a DBS check with barred lists then it would be for the organisation to determine what level of check would be appropriate for those duties. For example, if they volunteered with a youth club on a regular basis, the youth service would be the organisation required to ensure that a DBS check has been completed as per their procedures."

Leader of Somerset Independents Andrew Pope says:

Andrew Pope

"What do you think of this Lib Dem Council's response?

 

Do you agree that councillors should have criminal records checks before they represent you?

 

From their responses to our campaign, Somerset's Lib Dem-controlled councils - Mendip, South Somerset and SWT - ALL DO NOT SUPPORT DBS CHECKS. In contrast, Tory-run Somerset County Council have implemented DBS checks, as has Tory-controlled Sedgemoor District Council. We like to criticise the Tories, but on this one thing, they have got it right.

What do you think of the SWT Council's actions, or lack of actions, on Galmington Playing Fields and Tonedale Mill?

 

What do you think of the Liberal Democrats record over the past 18 months on Somerset West and Taunton Council?

 

Contact us, join us and donate to us to fight for a better representation on Somerset's councils - independent councillors that listen to you and act for you."

Standing Up For Somerset's Residents