You report Hughenden Parish Council is considering whether or not to pursue disgraced clerk Lynne Turner for stolen money (BFP, March 14). The council is considering asking only for the interest on the money, and writing off the capital.
This is not a matter of ‘showing compassion’, it is a matter of protecting public funds and Hughenden PC is out of step with the rest of the country. The Local Government Fraud Strategy notes that ‘Better prevention, detection and recovery of fraud will help reduce the financial pressure on councils.’ It’s bewildering that in a time that it’s precept is being reduced, councillors are willing to consider writing off thousands of pounds. Cllr Ian Guy's rhetorical question, ‘Does she [Turner] need her money more than we do?’ ought to raise serious questions.
If the parish councillors are not prepared to safeguard public monies and act as responsible custodians, they ought to consider whether they are fit for public office. — Jon Mack, Chesham
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