YOUR VIEWS: Complaining about Highland Council and congratulations for Highland Heroes
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
What’s the point of making a complaint?
In October 2023 I issued a complaint about Highland Council to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.
Their website told me that the ombudsman was taking up to four months to allocate some complaints to a Complaints Reviewer – and blamed this delay on the impact of Covid-19!
When the formal acknowledgement of my submission arrived it stated, “We are currently operating under hybrid working arrangements”. It is clear that public sector “hybrid working arrangements” are NOT “working”.
My complaint to the Ombudsman came because I was not satisfied by the response to a complaint to Highland Council about claims made during a presentation of proposals to close off Academy Street to through traffic.
A senior officer with the council responded, “the presentation was accurate” and that my allegations of untruthfulness were “offensive”.
I made a formal complaint to Highland Council which was ignored until I chased it up.
I eventually received a reply from the chief executive’s office which stated, “The accusations that a council employee is lying is (sic) unacceptable and potentially defamatory.” How is someone supposed to complain, when an officer has made claims, if making such a complaint is “unacceptable”?
Despite suggestions of a long delay, I received an almost instant response from SPSO, dismissing my complaint as they can only consider complaints where someone has “suffered personal hardship or injustice”.
I requested a review and have now, five months later, finally had an adjudication from the Ombudsman.
She decided my complaint did not prove I had “suffered personal injustice or hardship”.
There was no comment on the truth or otherwise of council officer statements except to suggest that if I considered it amounted to criminal malfeasance I should report it to the police.
What is the point of the Ombudsman if they cannot even look at complaints of bad behaviour by officials unless you can show the complainer has personally suffered “hardship or injustice”?
Donald MacKenzie
Crown Drive
Inverness
A nice job for those who can get it
Nicola Sturgeon was given £64,000 when she stood down as First Minister.
Many will see this as a reward for failure.
Michael Matheson was given £13,000 in ministerial severance pay after resigning as Health Secretary.
MPs are to receive an inflation-busting pay rise from April worth almost £5000, bringing their basic pay to £91,346.
The House of Lords tax-free daily attendance allowance has been increased to £360.
MPs who lose their seat are eligible for a “loss-of-office” payment despite knowing that their job might only last for five years.
Severance and loss-of-office payments cost taxpayers over £2 million after the 2021 general election.
There are too many politicians milking the public purse.
Clark Cross
Springfield Road
Linlithgow
Congratulations to our Highland Heroes
After last week’s Highland Heroes ceremony, organised by Inverness Courier publisher Highland News and Media, saw more than a dozen community heroes rewarded for their efforts, readers were quick to take to social media to pass on their congratulations. Among those readers flocked to praise were our brave child Vilis Forstmanis, green hero Emily Williams and Inverness medic Dr David Goudie, while there was also congratulations for Merkinch Primary, named school of the year, and David MacRae, community champion and overall hero of heroes.
“Well deserved Vilis... Keep strong... The world’s your oyster... Keep setting targets to achieve and I am sure you will do it...Congratulations on your award... Treasure it forever...” – Caroline Brandrick
“Well done , Emily. I’m proud to be you’d neighbour. I wish you every strength.” – Rob Milne
“Amazing well done, fantastic Dr. First Class treatment everytime we visited you.” – Donna Maclaren
“Well deserved David and it’s been my pleasure to work with you.” – Kara May
“Brilliant David. Congratulations to you. It makes such a difference having a kind caring doctor.” – Erica Anne Davidson
“Lucky to have Dr Goudie in my daughter’s medical team – very pleased he’s been rewarded for all his hard work!” – Ciara Ewing
“So thankful and lucky to have Dr Goudie providing fabulous care to my daughter esp when she was so poorly throughout covid. He is still her head consultant and always provides the best care along with colleagues... well done on the award we appreciate all your support.” – Vicky O’Donnell
“Dr Goudie you are amazing, well deserved. We are so lucky to have you here in the Highlands!” – Perfect Therapy Inverness
“I hear so many lovely things about Merkinch! Well deserved.” – Nat J Smith
“I can vouch for the warmth of welcome when visiting Merkinch! Smiles all round from the staff on every occasion.” – Brian Sanderson
“You are an inspiration Davie (MacRae) to all and your selfless acts are a testimony to the meaning of kindness. You deserve this recognition and continued good health and good wishes in all you do.” – Maryanne Mckay
Letters should be submitted to newsdesk@hnmedia.co.uk. Please include your address and a daytime contact number. You can also tweet us: @InvCourier or leave a comment on Facebook @invernesscourier
