COUNCILLORS from both sides of Tameside’s political spectrum believe a potential conflict of interest at the heart of its audit panel should be looked at.
Denton West’s Mike Smith chairs the committee, while he is also vice-chair of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund.
And having him in position, as well as Dukinfield’s Naila Sharif who sits on its management/advisory panel, raised questions over whether they can do both.
Now they will take advice on whether they can after being asked at the audit panel’s meeting on Tuesday, March 11.
Conservative Cllr Liam Billington first raised the point: “I’d just like to ask the auditors, do you feel that it is suitable having a chair of audit who is vice-chair of Greater Manchester Pension Fund and also an assistant executive cabinet member who is also Vice-Chair of the Pension Fund?
“Does that not present a conflict of interest potentially with both of them serving on the executive of the Pension Fund?”
Labour ‘s former deputy council leader, Cllr Bill Fairfoull, agreed with the stance, saying: “I think that’s just about independence, isn’t it? Demonstrating the independence of this board.”
Party colleague Cllr Joe Kitchen, however, believed too much was being made of it.
He said: “I just think it’s a red herring.
“I don’t think there’s anything to do with the audit, to be honest with you.
“If there was a conflict of interest, a monitoring officer would have pointed out at the council meeting, so all of us that are on the Pension Fund wouldn’t be sat here if there was a conflict of interest.
“I don’t think it is. It’s a matter for the monitoring officer.”
Cllr Billington hut back with: “The appointments for council were only submitted on the day of council, so it wouldn’t have given the monitoring officer much time.
“The Conservative group was given it five minutes before the meeting started, which is frankly disgraceful, and if that’s how the council wishes to operate, then that’s not a fair, open and transparent manner that you profess to be doing right now.”
Cllr Smith, who admitted he ‘half expected’ the point to be raised, insisted he had sought advice over whether his audit role posed a conflict of interest.
But he conceded he will do so again.
He said: “I did ask the question, so I’ll be guided by people in this respect.
“We’ve nothing to hide. Obviously, I’m deputy chair of Greater Manchester Pension Fund, and obviously I have one vote, the same as everyone else.
“If we do need to declare an interest, we’ll do it.
“To be fair to Cllr Billington, fair point. Let’s take advice and see what the monitoring officer says.
“I’ve spoken privately to people who asked me, because the last thing I want to do is break any rules, you know that.
“I just want to be clear and obviously I’m quite happy for the relevant people to advise me one way or the other.
“I was told there’s no conflict of interest, but I’ll take your point. Let’s see.”