VOSA row with TCs labelled as a ‘crisis’
Page 7
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
By Roger Brown
THE PUBLIC row that saw trafic commissioners (TCs) accuse VOSA of undermining their judicial independence has been described as a “crisis” by TC for Scotland Joan Aitken.
In the TCs’ Annual Report 201011, Aitken comments on the December 2010 spat in which the TCs spoke out against plans for them to report on their expenses, leave, working time and hospitality to VOSA’s chief executive Alastair Peoples, and former Senior TC Philip Brown.
North-West TC Beverley Bell and Western TC Sarah Bell reacted with anger at the time, although Brown attempted to play down the conlict.
However, in the report, published this week, Aitken says: “In December a crisis was created whereby statements by the chief executive of VOSA created an impression of subservience of the trafic commissioners to his role.
“Unfortunately this perception was not anticipated by the Senior TC.
“Much work has had to be done to counter what was written then and not retracted in an acceptable manner.” Brown has since taken special leave for health reasons, and Beverley Bell assumed his responsibilities as Deputy Senior TC.
Aitken goes on to say how, at a meeting in March attended by the TCs, the VOSA chief executive gave the “clearest of assurances” that he valued and supported their independence.
The outcome of the meeting was the promise of a framework document, which will set out their responsibilities so there can be clarity for the future.