Published: Monday, 9th October, 2006 14:13
Probe clears councillor
By Campbell Hutcheson
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A COMPLAINT against a Peebles councillor has been dismissed following a high-level investigation.
Councillor Catriona Bhatia had been accused of breaching the councillors’ code of conduct in her contribution to a local education issue.
The complaint alleged that she failed to declare an interest during a Scottish Borders Council debate on the future of Kingsland Primary School because she has three children at Halyrude Primary School.
It was also claimed that the member for Peebles and District East provided information that was factually incorrect.
Following an investigation on behalf of the independent Standards Commission, however, the Chief Investigating Officer of the Commission for Ethical Standards in Public Life dismissed the complaint.
Councillor Bhatia said: “I am delighted, but not surprised, that the CIO has thrown out this complaint as I have always acted with integrity and in the interests of my constituents.
“On issues such as this one, when there are a range of views expressed, elected members have to take all the relevant facts and opinions into account before making a judgement as to the best way forward.
“As a result, there may be people who do not agreee with the decision which is taken.”
The Liberal-Democrat councillor expressed disappointment about people resorting to personal attacks rather than engaging in mature, positive debate.
She felt that the decision had wider implications, particularly for people considering standing for council election.
Councillor Bhatia said: “Councillors are also local residents and frequently take decisions on facilities and services, which they and their families use, without the requirement to declare an interest.
“This is unavoidable and, indeed, is part of the basis for local democratic representation.”
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