A surprising turn of events at Forest of Dean District Council! A bailiff recently knocked on the council’s door, but not for the usual reasons. Instead of collecting unpaid council tax, he was there to claim money owed to a resident following a planning appeal case.
At a council meeting on December 11, Cllr Bernie O’Neill expressed outrage over the situation, revealing how seven unresolved cases involve debt supposedly owed by the council. He stated, “The council should take their debts as seriously as residents take theirs!”
Council leader, Cllr Adrian Birch, confirmed the visit but stated no action was taken against the council after discussions. However, O’Neill countered this, claiming a bailiff had indeed received payment on more than one occasion. The council faces accusations of delaying payments on awarded costs, igniting calls for an emergency investigation into the planning department’s finances over recent years.
Birch explained that negotiating these claims is complex, especially when costs seem inflated without proper documentation. He assured that the council is diligent with public funds, suggesting the audit committee might take on this investigative task.
The drama continues as Cllr O’Neill claims to have evidence contradicting the council’s stance — including a stream of emails and phone calls from concerned residents. Could this lead to a deeper probe into the council’s financial practices? Let’s keep our eyes on this story as it unfolds.🔍💼
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