Inquiry demanded into Plymouth Citybus sell-off
OPPOSITION councillors are demanding a public inquiry into what they have called "breathtaking" conduct from the city's finance chief over controversial plans to sell Citybus.
Top conservative councillor Ian Bowyer has come under fire for revealing one of the consortiums bidding to buy the council-owned bus firm was no longer in the running.
He defended his comments at a full meeting of Plymouth City Council earlier this week, insisting he was simply trying to "widen the debate".
But the Cabinet member for finance and budget would not tell the opposition group how he came to know the consortium, headed by Plymouth taxi boss John Preece, was no longer being considered as a bidder.
After the meeting Labour councillor Bill Stevens vowed to "not let this matter drop" and called on Cllr Bowyer to "come clean and give a full account of his actions".
He said: "This conduct from a cabinet member is breathtaking. Serious questions remain unanswered.
"He has caused confidential information to be published that could be damaging to Citybus.
"We expect senior officers to mount a full and thorough public investigation at the highest level.
"If this cannot be done inside the council then independent auditors must be called in."
But Cllr Bowyer hit back at the comments – and at the Labour group's demands at Monday's meeting for an updated report on the valuation status, which were blocked in a vote.
"My statement at the last council meeting was clear," he said. "I have done nothing wrong.
"My priority is to work to see this city and its people through the economic recession, now the longest recession on record.
"Unfortunately the Labour group cannot overcome its obsession with process, procedure, and personality – my focus is on policy."
The council decided to invite bids for its 100 per cent share in the firm in order to test its market value.
Five potential buyers are believed to have tabled bids, with transport giants First later withdrawing.
Fellow bus operator Stagecoach has confirmed to The Herald it has submitted a final bid, and is "waiting to hear the council's decision".
Councillors will get to vote on the plans on November 30 after a preferred bidder has been chosen.
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by dave, plymouth
Sunday, November 01 2009, 6:44PM
“councillor bowyer must answer these questions - where did he get the confidential information that he leaked to the hearld? he is not on any panel that would make him privvy to this information legitimately.”
by mark, plymouth
Sunday, November 01 2009, 6:41PM
“maertin peverell - you are just like this tory council - avoiding and not answering the question and blocking debate.
we (the people of plymouth) demand answers from the tory councillors - it's our legal right!”
by David Mavin, Eggbuckland
Sunday, November 01 2009, 12:16PM
“Martin Peverell,
The only fact as presented on the PCC website state that PCB returns a profit to the city. This is, on average, £350k p.a. (unless the Council, lead by your party of choice, which would have to be a pretty stupid and unprofessional thing to do, are misleading the public).
It was suggested by Mr Bowyer that the capital from a sale might be put into an endowment fund (there was no facts on risk or return)!
If the sale of PCB is the right thing for the city then I will back the potential sale but remember this is only a discovery exercise, (as stated by the present cabinet) you intimate that you know more which Leaves me to think that you have access to the full facts?
What I am asking (it is not a moan and a groan) of the current administration is to convince me and the rest of the public through fact that this is the right thing to do and not to follow the courage of their convictions which appear too be based on suggestion and possibility.
If the full facts on the sale of this publically owned Bus Company are available, will (after the bid process has finished but before contract award) they be disclosed to the public who will be able to judge the wisdom of this proposal?
This is not about party politics but about listening to the People of Plymouth and keeping them happy (whichever road they choose) and if this leads as you suggest to paying less tax and earning more money!!!!! It would appear that we may have had politics wrong for so many years?”
by Martin, Peverell
Saturday, October 31 2009, 2:08PM
“David Eggbuckland,
unfortunately like a lot of people on these posts you are one of those people that will moan and groan without ever having the full facts in front of you.
Never once have you ever stated anything from fact or truth. I do find your comments amusing actually and wonder what tripe your going to write next.
The point is this you actually know very little, and when you say anything you will say 'suggest' or 'possibly', this is because your whole point is made up. If and when you actually state some facts I will be more than happy to respond in the appropriate sense.
The other point you make about how the conservetives should be wary of the loss of vote at the next council elections is absurb. If all politicians did was to introduce policies to make the voter happy we'd be paying less tax and earning more money.
At least this present PCC has the conviction and honesty to try and do the right thing.
You should be more worried how you and your party are going to gain the extra votes. Of course that's why your jumping on the bandwagon regardless of the benefits to the people of Plymouth.
That's why I and many others will vote for the Conservetives rather than the desperate Labour party and thier supporters.”
by Mark, Exeter
Saturday, October 31 2009, 7:44AM
“Whether you support the sale or not, a public enquiry into how it has been handled is an absolute must.
Locally the Herald has provided significant coverage on the Citybus sale with articles from both sides of the debate. The story has now reached national coverage within the Transport Industry thanks to the Heralds interview with the MD of First Devon and Cornwall.
The latest edition of Private Eye also has a very interesting article on the sale process. Private Eye has a very influential political readership.
Why is the City Council spending £130k per month on business advice for the sale process? (Source Private Eye) That¿s £0.5m so far, almost twice the annual budget for local bus service support. Why is the City Council is not providing subsidy to maintain FDC Service 17, and PCB Service 52? Both services clearly qualify for financial support under the 2001 local transport act. Why are the roads not being repaired?
Vivian Pengelly total control over local politics and her Conservative colleagues was clear to be seen at the special Council meeting held on the 23rd Oct 09, and it is a huge surprise that this very public display of control has not received wider coverage.
The sale process is making Plymouth look increasingly like a banana republic, rather than the regional centre it aspires to be.
Stop the sale? It is probably too late for that, Vivian Pengelly is clearly too powerful at this time.
A public enquiry, yes, absolutely, people need to explain why so much money has been spent on a very questionable sale process.”