Are Edinburgh council whistleblowers being silenced? – Iain Whyte

Many who read the Evening News regularly might expect me to cover some recent high-profile events at the council. After all, in the last week we finally got to the political arguments over the East Craigs Low Traffic Neighbourhood and the SNP’s wish to foist it on an unwilling local population.

Equally, we have seen the Convener of Housing double down on a declaration that independence is more important to her than anything else just as the council’s own Poverty Commission announced that housing issues were far more impactful on poverty here in Edinburgh than anywhere else in Scotland.

But these have been well documented by colleagues and commentators. And arguably, the most important issue is public trust in the council and whether its culture is self-serving and inward-looking or seeks to work for the people of Edinburgh.

Recent media reports about an investigation by the council and police over serious criminal allegations made against a former employee who died suddenly have added to the legacy of “scandals” from the past.

The many issues that have arisen include the statutory notices scandal, the matters still being examined by the Edinburgh Tram Inquiry, various investigations detailing maladministration and the circumstances which led to the dismissal of the headteacher at Castlebrae High School. Some are still subject to public inquiry or court proceedings.

The common theme that has emerged in the media is one of ignoring whistleblowers, cover-up within some departments and a generally secretive approach which would appear to be aimed at maintaining the council’s “reputation” at all costs. The consequence of course is quite the opposite when the truth finally emerges.

Senior council officers and some politicians are keen to tell me that these issues are all historic and a new approach to whistleblowing since 2014 has resolved matters. If that’s so it’s not the view taken by some who blew the whistle. And the role of the elected member is not to take assurance at face value but to enquire further to make sure.

That starts with some of the questions that were asked in the inquiry into Rotherham Council following the revelations that it failed to challenge organised child sexual exploitation.

I want to know right across our council whether it allows for adequate scrutiny by councillors; whether it covers up information, and whether whistleblowers are silenced; whether it has actually taken appropriate action against staff guilty of gross misconduct; is now taking steps to address effectively past and current weaknesses or shortcomings in the exercise of its functions, and has the capacity to continue to do so.

The latest revelations must be investigated properly. It is not the time for snap judgements. What they have done is show again that we must have a transparent approach in the council to gain public confidence. Part of that is about reporting openly and honestly when things go wrong and getting someone independent to lead that work when there is doubt.

So as the main opposition leader I laid a motion at council calling for exactly such an independent inquiry. We will debate the issue again this week at committee and confirm the position at the next council meeting. So far, despite different views on what an inquiry might find, I’ve found support for this approach from other political leaders. That consensus needs to continue to make sure Edinburgh people can trust their council again.

Cllr Iain Whyte is the Conservative group leader at Edinburgh City Council

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