Staff shortages hit WC land searches

Calne councillor Howard Marshall claims that estate agents in the northern part of the county are being hit by Wiltshire Council's inability to conduct land searches in reasonable time.

WC is currently making hundreds more members of staff redundant.

In reply to Marshall's question Toby Sturgis, the Tory cabinet member responsible, says of the team of nine workers four have quit and one has been on leave. Staff have been shunted around from other positions and an agency worker has been taken on whilst attempts are made to recruit workers with the appropriate skills. The council has according to Sturgis,"Proactively prioritised searches by exchange date so no one should actually miss a sale or purchase."

WC leader Jane Scott says front line services won't be affected by staff cuts.

Council agenda 9/7/13 (See supplement 1)