Edinburgh Sucks! | FingerGate begs Code of Conduct questions

City Council

FingerGate begs Code of Conduct questions

By The Basa ⋅ December 14, 2006 ⋅

A quick perusal of the The Councillors Code of Conduct leaves a lot of unanswered questions about the future of Trevor Davies in his role as planning supremo. The code which can be found by clicking here has clearly been breached.

Definitely Section 3.8 has been broken:

3.8 You must not accept any offer by way of gift or hospitality which could give rise to a reasonable suspicion of influence on your part to show favour or disadvantage to any individual or organisation. You should also consider whether there may be any reasonable perception that any gift received by your spouse or cohabitee or by any company in which you have a controlling interest, or by a partnership of which you are a partner, can or would influence your judgement. The term “gift” includes benefits such as relief from indebtedness, loan concessions, or provision of services at a cost below that generally charged to members of the public.

The fact that One-Fingered Trev is convenor of the Planning Committee surely must give rise to a reasonable suspicion of influence.

Section 3.9 doesn’t give the planning neophyte much hope either when it states:

3.9 You must not accept any offer of a gift or hospitality from any individual or organisation who is an applicant awaiting a decision from the Council or who is seeking to do business or to continue to do business with the Council. If you are making a visit to inspect equipment, vehicles, land or property, then as a general rule you should ensure that the Council pays for the cost of these visits.

And of course Mountgrange are awaiting the outcome of planning decisions. Another ball dropped and one which should mean immediate firing from his convenorship. So unless he does actually become Lord Asbo of FingerGate then his position is should be held by a replacement as soon as possible.