Press Release
Council welcomes "unequivocal" conclusions
The “unequivocal” exoneration of Shetland Islands Councillors from claims of conflict of interest over membership of the Charitable Trust and its handling of the Viking Energy development has been welcomed by the political leader of Shetland Islands Council.
The Public Standards Commissioner for Scotland, Stuart Allan, today, Tuesday, issued his decision on a complaint regarding an alleged contravention of the Code of Conduct by 14 councillors. Another complaint to the Commissioner has yet to be resolved.
“I’m absolutely delighted” said Josie Simpson. “This is very, very welcome news, particularly that the commissioner has made it clear that, as he says, there is no evidence whatsoever of impropriety.”
Mr Simpson said that he personally had never had any doubts that the councillors were acting anything other than properly.
“We had the best advice and that advice was correct. I think this sends a very good message, loud and clear to the people of Shetland that councillors have always and always will act in the best interests of the people of Shetland.”
Commenting on the divisions in the community, Mr Simpson said:
“This was to be expected, and was perfectly understandable with a large scale windfarm project of this nature, but at least with the Standards Commission decision both sides of the debate will be able to accept that members have behaved in accordance with the code.”
Mr Allan says in his report:
“I consider it appropriate to be unequivocal on this matter since it is of considerable public interest and has a significant bearing on the application of the code. I have found no evidence of impropriety in the council’s original decision to invest in the windfarm project.”
The project had offered “considerable potential” for exploiting renewable energy on behalf of the community. He continued. “The Council was likewise entitled to review its participation in the project and seek the agreement of Shetland Charitable Trust to take this forward.” The Trust had “quite properly” considered the proposal, and all elected members who were also trustees “were aware of the potential for conflicts of interest and have registered their trusteeships.” At all meetings of the council where Viking Energy was discussed, Mr Allan said, “councillors-trustees have been scrupulous in declaring their interest as required by the code of conduct.”
He added:
“The key factor underlying the declaration and registration of interests is transparency. This in my view has been observed by all concerned.” He was, however, also “encouraged” by moves to reduce the proportion of councillors on the Charitable Trust. This should be taken forward quickly, he said, to introduce “an element of independence and detachment from the Council”.
Jan Riise, Head of Legal and Administration Services, at the Council, said he was pleased with the report.
“It makes clear that, at an early stage, there was recognition by members and by their advisors of the possibility of a conflict of interest and that this was carefully and correctly handled. It’s pleasing that the early attention drawn to this by councillors who were also trustees, and their correct handling, has been acknowledged and applauded.”
Mr Riise said that a key factor in the report was transparency. “Our pursuit of that in every aspect of this has been upheld.”
The full decision can be found here:
http://www.publicstandardscommissioner.org.uk/decisions/decision/386/lasi1122