Morecambe council slams MP 'scaremongering' over Frontierland theme park and tax hikes
Morecambe Town Council has rejected queries and allegations from the town’s MP, regarding raising its local tax by over 230 per cent, the alleged conduct of its clerk and some councillors, finances, transparency and its ambition to develop the former Frontierland theme park site.
In response to Mr Morris’ comments at Westminster, Morecambe Town Council issued a statement outlining its case to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. It covered subjects including the controversial new precept, Frontierland ambitions, staff salaries and an internal audit dispute which led to a recent county court case.
“Accusations of councillor misconduct is nothing more than unfounded conjecture. Parish and town councils are given until March 1 to submit their precept request each year. “Being the first council in Lancashire to receive a Quality Gold Award for its achievements in the last two years, the town council is grateful to have such a dedicated team of officers working tirelessly with members to achieve positive outcomes for residents.
“The council has also increased its annual budget to safeguard £100,000 for local events, £25,000 for community grants, and it is investing a further £150.000 to enhance local recreational facilities and open spaces. “The council hopes to work closely with Lancaster City Council to achieve its vision, which has been locally coined as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build community wealth and social capital.”
recruited a part-time chief officer to undertake the three core administrative roles, which reduced annual staffing expenditure by 32 per cent. This week’s Morecambe Town Council statement said: “Each year the council undertakes an internal audit review, prior to the authority submitting its legal returns to the government-appointed external auditor. “The council acquired the services of sole trader Safia Kauser to undertake this work in good faith. The authority was dissatisfied with the accuracy of the internal audit produced.
two independent investigations undertaken by the external auditor appointed by the SAAA, or District Judge Skalskyi Reynolds.” “Upon attending court, the council requested an adjournment after advising that it had evidence to present that had not been able to be circulated prior to the hearing. The council had been awaiting an important report from PKF Littlejohn, the independent auditor investigating the ongoing matters raised by Internal Audit Yorkshire, and unfortunately this had not been received by the time the council had to file its evidence.
She said: “Morecambe Bay Independents voted against the gross 231 per cent increase in Morecambe Town Council tax. It was proposed by the chairperson, Cary Matthews, the leader of Together for Morecambe, which was formerly called Bay Independent Group, and supported by all Lib-Dems and Labour councillors.
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