Council leader says it is the politicians that set the policy direction of the council (From Haringey Independent)

Council leader says it is the politicians that set the policy direction of the council

6:08pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Bruce Thain

The leader of the council says politicians will set the policy for the new chief executive.

At a meeting of the Full Council, members voted to appoint Nick Walkley as Haringey Council’s new chief executive despite protests from groups against privatisation of services.

During the meeting there were boos from protesters in the gallery against the appointment.

Clair Kober said in the meeting of the full council: “Let me be clear, I am not recommending his appointment because I want Haringey to emulate our neighbours Barnet, that is not our agenda here.

“Mr Walkley knows and understands the political priorities we have set and I’m recommending his appointment because I want his assistance in delivering the priorities that we know are important to our residents.

“It is the politicians that set the policy direction of the council and that is not going to change.”

Mr Walkley resigned from his role in Barnet two weeks ago where he was instrumental in the privatisation of key council services.

Last week a petition was launched against his appointment calling on councillors to oppose the decision and any plans for mass outsourcing of council services.

Dave Morris, from the Haringey Alliance of Public services said: “We are worried about and are firmly against the cuts and privatisation of public services.

“We want the council to stand up for the people of Haringey and not privatise services as was done in Barnet which we fear will be done here.”

Keith Fleet, chairman of Haringey Trade Union’s Council said: “What concerns us is Mr Walkley’s track record in his previous borough of Barnet.

“There was a great deal of privatisation of public services there which is something we do not want to see here.

“Also he left Barnet before the job was finished. With his job in Haringey we are just going to have to wait and see what happens."

Mr Walkley is set to start his new job in December this year.