Journalist lodges County Council complaint

Failing to answer a number of searching questions in the required time has led to a journalist lodging an official complaint to Powys County Council.

The regional authority has failed to respond to a number of questions posed in a Freedom of Information request by Local Democracy Reporter, Elgan Hearn, in the required 20-day time frame.

The complaint has been made to the Information Officer after answers were expected by May 30.

An apology was received, but sent to the wrong email address and no reply, giving the information or explaining why it’s exempt, has been received.

Mr Hearn, whose articles are published by MyWelshpool, said: “It’s very disappointing to have to resort to making an official complaint on this issue. This is affecting my work investigating a matter of public interest.

“I’ve never had problems with an FOI request like this before. I was told on May 30 and 31 that the information would arrive the following day, but I’m still waiting.”

Joe Wozencraft, Information Compliance Officer, said: “We regret the delay you have experienced with this request. We acknowledge that Powys County Council has failed in its obligation under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, to provide you with a response to your request within the statutory time-scale of 20 working days.

“Please accept our apologies for this and for any inconvenience this may have caused. We have continuously chased the service area for your requested information.”

The questions asked were:

·      During the last five years how many staff have been subject to disciplinary measures?

·      How many have been cleared of wrong doing?

·      How many have left PCC following the process?

·      How many have taken PCC to an employment tribunal?

·      How long does the disciplinary process take on average?

·      How many staff have been suspended on full or half pay?

·      How much has this cost PCC?

·      How many former members of staff have signed non-disclosure agreements?

·      Do staff who have been convicted in court get disciplined by PCC (obviously they received a community sentence or fine rather than jail time) following their appearance?