Latest Public Sector News

22.09.17

Cheshire East faces police probe over tampering of air quality data

Cheshire East Council is to be investigated by police following allegations that air quality data collected by the local authority had been deliberately altered.  

Back in August, the organisation apologised after incorrect statistics about air quality in the area had been submitted to Defra and admitted that there had been “deliberate and systematic manipulation” of machines used to take the readings.

And now, the council has revealed that Cheshire Constabulary has been given the data and will be formally looking into the matter.

Cheshire East explained that this was a result of the council’s ongoing work to address the concerns “thoroughly and transparently”.

On top of that, the council has referred concerns about the allocation of public funds in making a grant to Berkeley Academy as well as concerns about land purchasing to the police.

Cllr Rachel Bailey, its leader, stated: “It is vital that these serious matters are dealt with fully and that if there has been any wrongdoing it is exposed. While a police investigation is a serious matter, I would like to reassure residents that the council itself has brought these matters forward in order to put things right.

“We will ensure that council services continue to be delivered to the high standards that residents have come to expect.

“As these matters are now subject to criminal investigation, we are unable to give more information at this time.”

Today’s news comes as the council prepares to make a decision over whether to dismiss two of its top-level officials, CEO Mike Suarez and Bill Norman, the director of legal services, following allegations of misconduct.

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become a PSE columnist? If so, click here.

Comments

Linda Peterss   22/09/2017 at 21:36

Greats Politics!! In August, the agency incorrectly apologized for the quality of air air deposited in the FA, and acknowledged that the machines used to accept the readings were "deliberate and disciplined". The Council has revealed that the information provided to Chester Constructory and will be officially looked into. The Council also expressed concern over the allocations of public fund for approval of the Barclay Academy and the police expressed concern about the purchase of the land. Morality means politics is like a poisonous snake, if you want to move upwards, but rather through pure politics. ----------http://onedaytop.com/huge-numbers-seismic-tremors-mexico/

Add your comment

public sector executive tv

more videos >

last word

Prevention: Investing for the future

Prevention: Investing for the future

Rob Whiteman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA), discusses the benefits of long-term preventative investment. Rising demand, reducing resource – this has been the r more > more last word articles >

public sector focus

View all News

comment

Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >
How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

19/06/2019How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, argues t... more >

interviews

Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

17/12/2018Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

It’s no secret that the public sector and its service providers need ... more >