Row started over draft minute of discussion (From Witney Gazette)

Row started over draft minute of discussion

5:30pm Tuesday 20th March 2007 in Witney By Tim Hughes

THE Witney Gazette can reveal that the row which enveloped Witney Town Council stemmed from a single draft minute of a meeting of councillors.

A confidential report shown to the Witney Gazette shows the dispute stemmed from the minuting of a personnel sub-committee discussion into arrangements for an annual salary review for the town clerk Pat Nevins.

The dispute centred on the question of whether the review should take effect on the anniversary of Mrs Nevins starting work, or the date of her appointment. These are believed by many to be one and the same thing.

As Mrs Nevins was not present for the discussion, she drafted them, and emailed them to the deputy clerk for amendment. They were then submitted to the council.

In her absence, the minutes were changed, with the word "appointment" changed to "commencement of employment".

Allegations followed, suggesting Mrs Nevins' date of appointment was earlier than the commencement of employment, and that Mrs Nevins was attempting to secure financial advantage.

The mayor, Chrissie Curry, said: "That was the spring which jolted me into getting outside advice."

She said allegations of bullying then came to light.

Town councillor David Harvey said: "Although the problems with the minutes are significant, they shrink into insignificance in comparison with other allegations of bullying."

Mrs Nevins declined to comment, saying: "The matter has been referred to the Standards Board, which have confirmed that they are investigating complaints against two councillors. The matter is also in the hands of legal advisers. Any further comment would therefore be inappropriate."