Wiltshire Council still dithering on Kennet payments

Wiltshire Council has admitted that the scandal of 'Non-pensionable honoraria' payments made to officers of Kennet District Council in its dying days has not been resolved. In response to a series of questions from Hilperton councillor Ernie Clark council leader Jane Scott says that after four years of investigation, "The Council's legal team is now in a position to make recommendations as to next steps."

Cllr Clark points out that the Audit Commission said the payments should not have been made, but the council points out that getting the money back may be difficult: "There may be potential defences available to the recipients in any recovery action."

Jane Scott also defended the 'redaction' of the Audit Commission opinion in previous reports, claiming legal privilege.

Wiltshire Council is expected eventually to decide that no further recovery action can be taken.