Agenda item

To consider the following Notice of Motion (1/19), submitted by Councillor C E Joyce.

“That this Council establish an independent inquiry into the partnership of Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services, and its subsidiary companies, regarding the  award of, administration of and financial relationship with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

To ensure the impartiality and independence of the inquiry the chair and personnel of such an inquiry be chosen by an outside body, notably the Local Government Association to report back to the Full Council no later than 28th February 2019.

The independent inquiry will have full access to all council documents associated with Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services and its subsidiary companies”

The Mayor left the meeting during consideration of the item, the Deputy Mayor took the Chair. 

Councillor C E Joyce proposed his Notice of Motion (1/19), this was seconded by Councillor Bird who reserved the right to speak.

“That this Council establish an independent inquiry into the partnership of Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services, and its subsidiary companies, regarding the  award of, administration of and financial relationship with the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

To ensure the impartiality and independence of the inquiry the chair and personnel of such an inquiry be chosen by an outside body, notably the Local Government Association to report back to the Full Council no later than 28th February 2019.

The independent inquiry will have full access to all council documents associated with Norfolk and Waveney Enterprise Services and its subsidiary companies”

In proposing the Motion, Councillor Joyce drew attention to the national media coverage of the NWES situation and that of the property in the south of France, he considered that the reputation of the Council was on the line because of their dealings with NWES.  He asked what due diligence had been done on the company, did the contract go out to tender and were members aware of the failure of NWES to find the money to repay the loan.  He stated that taxpayers wanted to know what had happened to the money.  He considered that members should have a free vote on this matter and the matter should not be passed to Cabinet.

Councillor Long reminded Members that the Council’s only dealings with NWES was with regard to the KLIC and the business advice given with EU funding, not its other business activities.  He explained that the Internal Auditors were currently carrying out a review of the Council’s situation under its procedures. He considered that any investigation of NWES itself was for others to carry out.

Under Standing Order 14.6 Councillor Long proposed that the matter be referred to Cabinet for consideration of the type of enquiry to be recommended.  Councillor Nockolds seconded the proposal.

In debating the proposal Councillor Moriarty encouraged Members to vote against the proposal and permit an independent inquiry.  He requested a recorded vote on the decision to refer the matter to Cabinet.

Councillor Joyce urged members to vote down the referral to cabinet in order to permit the independent review. 

Councillor Beales reminded Members that until it was known what the situation was it was premature to refer the issue for an outside investigation and the referral to Cabinet did not preclude a further enquiry at a later date, or any wider investigation into NWES.

Under Standing Order 15.18a, Councillor Long moved that the question be put.

With the required number of supporters, Councillor Moriarty asked for a recorded vote on the item.

The vote was carried.

RESOLVED:   That the matter be referred to cabinet for consideration.