The public inquiry into the running of beleaguered Aberdeen City Council is to be more far-reaching than first thought, it emerged last night.
The council’s ability to deliver change, and the reasons why it appears not to have the backing of its staff, are to be investigated at a landmark hearing next month.
The Accounts Commission announced yesterday that the two-day public inquiry into the council’s finances and services will begin on Tuesday, May 13, in Aberdeen Town House.
Council leader Kate Dean welcomed the decision to hold it next month.
“It’s important we get the chance to update the Accounts Commission since the best-value audit,” she said.
“It’s not an inquiry into our finances.”
But the local authority watchdog said it did want to “explore” the council’s financial position, as well as its capacity to secure change, the issue of low staff morale and the pace of progress.
One piece of evidence to be submitted will be the agenda for yesterday’s full council meeting – the first time councillors have met since the hearing was announced on March 20, and since last Saturday’s protest march.
Lord Provost Peter Stephen said he would submit the agenda, which included 81 questions – half from one opposition councillor – as evidence of the way officials’ time was being spent and reform was being blocked.
Hopes were raised at the meeting of saving Doonies Farm and Lynx Ice Arena.
But the Liberal Democrat/ SNP council administration was accused of an “affront to democracy” by denying a request to speak by representatives of homeless charity Cyrenians and sheltered employment factory Glencraft.
Opposition Labour group leader Len Ironside, who was pleased the inquiry would be held “sooner rather than later”, branded the administration ignorant and arrogant.
“These people have turned up here today to present themselves to the council, given the unique circumstances with the whole city galvanised against this council, I think it would only be fair to hear them,” he said.
Tory councillor Alan Donnelly said: “I think this whole agenda has been manipulated by the administration and it’s an affront to democracy.”
Campaigners for Doonies were allowed to speak and were granted a temporary reprieve. The farm will remain open until the end of May so that backers can be found to secure its future.
And depute council leader Kevin Stewart of the SNP said private investors had approached the council to inquire about taking over the Linx Ice Arena. But it also emerged the council does not intend to reopen the Queen’s Links and Kincorth bowling greens.
Labour politicians have urged the public to contact the watchdog with concerns over the way the council is being run.
The commission confirmed it would consider any correspondence, but it wanted to maintain its focus on the recent audit of the council’s finances.
A spokeswoman said: “The commission wishes to hear first-hand from representatives of Aberdeen City Council to gain a greater understanding of the council’s difficulties in implementing its long-held vision for the area and its plans to improve its financial position.”
The council’s precarious finances yesterday forced councillors to drop plans to stage part of the Granite City Rally in Torry.
Attempting to attain a temporary lifting of speed restrictions has already cost £29,000 and potential objections leading to costly hearings in London has meant the long-held ambition will have to be put on hold again.
“We don’t know how far the cost is going to be pushed and at this time I don’t think we can go ahead,” said Mr Stewart.
Campaigners fighting to save Doonies Farm last night welcomed official confirmation that they had 60 days to come up with a business plan.
But they have to move quickly, said the chairman of Friends of Doonies.
John Sleigh added: “It is the best of a bad situation. We now know what the goalposts are and we know what to aim for. We need to kickstart the emergency funds drive.”
A fundraising meeting will be held in the Cove Bay Hotel on Colsea Road next Monday at 7.30pm. A further meeting to discuss a potential gala or open day will be held in the venue on Wednesday.
To help Doonies, e-mail savedoonies@googlemail. com or call John Sleigh on 07921 863682.