Issue - meetings

In accordance with paragraphs 2.24 of the Council’s Committee Procedure Rules and Appendix on Public Speaking a total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to put questions to the committee on any matter relating to this agenda. Each member of the public will be allowed up to two minutes each to speak, and the Chair will have discretion to vary this where they consider it appropriate.

Members of the public wishing to speak are required to provide notice of this at least three clear working days’ in advance of the meeting and should include the question with that notice.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw addressed the committee as a visiting member in relation to agenda item 6 (Whistleblowing Arrangements 2023-24 Update and Policy Development). Councillor Wardlaw welcomed the timeliness of the report and the proposed review of the policy, highlighting a press article that recently featured in the Congleton Chronicle in relation to a Police investigation connected to misconduct in the public office. Cllr Wardlaw also referred to communication she had received from an individual seeking help with a serious complaint linked to the current whistleblowing process and the lack of trust in it. Cllr Wardlaw asked the committee to not just ‘note’ the whistleblowing arrangements during 2023-24, but to also interrogate the information within the report (paragraph 11, page 28). The committee was urged to ensure the refresh of the policy offered the best encouragement and safety for those who would use it.

Due to technical issues with the live audio broadcasting of the meeting during this item, a copy of Cllr Wardlaw’s full statement has been appended to the minutes of the meeting.