Issue - meetings

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer.

Noted.

Members received a report from the Chief Executive which informed members of the outcome of the claim brought by Heather McManus against South Ribble Borough Council, Councillors Paul Foster and Michael Titherington. 

Councillor Foster thanked members and officers for their support during what had been a difficult time, both for the council and personally for a number of members. 

In terms of the Whistleblowing Claim it was found that the protected disclosure was not the principal reason for the dismissal and/ or the alleged detriments. As a result, this head of claim, and the claims against Councillors Foster and Titherington failed.

The Tribunal found that the decision to dismiss was fair and lawful and the claim for unfair dismissal was dismissed.

The Tribunal considered the summary dismissal and whether contractual notice should have been provided following dismissal. They found that the evidence provided did not support departing from the recommendation of the Independent Investigator to provide contractual notice.  However, the period to be used was limited to the balance of notice remaining following the claimant’s resignation, a period of 41 days.

A number of members commented on the report, including Councillors David Shaw, Karen Walton and Michael Titherington. 

It was proposed by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, seconded by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Mick Titherington, and subsequently

Resolved (unanimously) that the report be noted.