In January the Sheffield Star published allegations concerning Burngreave New Deal for Communities and their appointment of Jack Davies and Bill Husband, who were accused of improper use of a maisonette when they worked for South Kilburn New Deal for Communities in Brent. Mr Davies had resigned and Mr Husband had been sacked. The Messenger reported on the New Deal controversy saying that residents will be weary of yet another negative story about Burngreave in the Star, but may take an interest in whether the power at Burngreave New Deal has shifted too far from local residents.
The Council debated the allegations fiercely in February but an investigation was launched.
Setting their record straight
Burngreave New Deal countered with a letter to the Star and an 8-page leaflet delivered door-to-door in Burngreave to show they were “setting the record straight”.
At the time the Messenger's June issue went to print, the investigation was complete. However, the report wasn't available until 4th June, which saw the Council debate the New Deal investigation.
Resolution and counter-resolution
With the Lib-Dems now having overall control of the council, they called for the resignation of John Clark – and threatened to withhold money from Burngreave New Deal for Communities if he didn't.
On June 10th, the Star reported the news: John Clark to be made redundant. In fact, the statement from Ronnie Lewin, current chair of the Partnership Board was,
“We can confirm that the position of Chief Executive is currently included in redundancy negotiations, which will be finalised at the end of July. The appointment of a Deputy Chief Executive was part of a planned exit strategy identified by John Clark a year ago.”
The Partnership Board is now due to meet on 24th June 2008 to discuss the response to the Council's decision promised at the start of the investigation.