PaulRogan

In an attempt to establish the openess and extent of the investigations into what is hoped will not become a 'caldergate', i asked the Conservative Leader of Calderdale Council the following questians at last week's Council meeting on 5th Dec.

"Re:- Inquiry into Compulsory Purchase order relating to Sugdens Mill, Mill Royd Street, Brighouse, and the associated closing of Mill Royd Street.

Following allegations published in the Yorkshire Post last week that false evidence was given to the public inquiry by witnesses acting for Calderdale Council, I note that you have asked the Chief Executive for a full and independent inquiry into the matter. I had earlier called for this publicly and Janet Battye, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, also supported this call in a press release.

1. Members have been advised that a Liverpool solicitor will be carrying out the inquiry and the firm's website details their specialties in handling matters for local authorities. Do you agree that it is essential that the inquiry is independent, comprehensive and takes evidence from all those persons and parties wishing to give evidence?
2. Do you see any reason why the police should not carry out the inquiry, as being the necessary independent body qualified to deal with matters of this sort?
3. Further, will you please tell us now,

3.1   Who will be paying for the solicitor to carry out the inquiry?
3.2   What are the terms of reference for the inquiry?
3.3   What instructions have been given to the solicitor with regard to who should be approached to submit evidence to him?
3.4   Given the Chief Executive has requested a report by end December and has stated that should nothing improper have happened that the Council may consider whether action is to be taken as a result, has the solicitor given any indication that he will be able to comply with the requested timescale?
3.5   Will the report be made public at the time of submission to Calderdale Council?"

Of course the answers are far more telling than the questions. I will post these as soon as I have received them in full.