Coventry
City Council, in late 1997 and early 1998, investigated a complaint from a former member
of Coventry Black Council and the Educational Development Initiative Trust into a number
of alleged irregularities connected with these organisations.
The investigation resulted in a decision to cease existing funding and to prevent any
potential future funding to either organisation.
Coventry Black Council complained to the local Ombudsman that the City Council’s
investigation was not impartial. The Ombudsman has now examined he case and has decided
there was no maladministration.
The City Council’s decision relating to the ceasing of grant aid meant that
Coventry Black Council could no longer employ its two members of staff. The staff
concerned took a case to the Industrial Tribunal, against Coventry City Council. The
Tribunal has now decided that there is no case to answer for Coventry City Council, and
will be awarding costs to Coventry Council of one of the two cases.
Councillor Arthur Waugh said,
"It is our responsibility to ensure that funding given to voluntary and community
organisations is spent wisely, and benefits the people of Coventry. The decision to
withdraw funding to this organisation was not taken lightly, and we are pleased that the
Ombudsman has recognised that the correct processes were followed."
"We are also pleased that the Industrial Tribunal recognised that funding of
voluntary and community organisations does not constitute a contract of employment, as
this could have had far reaching implications for local authorities up and down the
country.
"These issues have taken up a large amount of officer and Member time, and have
detracted from the positive work which is going on with and within the African Caribbean
Community. We hope now to get back on track so that the community can begin to see
results."
