Lamport Bassitt Solicitors - Legal News - Councils 'should engage in mediation more'


	LATEST LATEST LEGAL NEWS ARCHIVE		LATEST NEWS & EVENTS Councils 'should engage in mediation more' When involved in disputes with chief executives, local authorities should make more use of mediation, it has been suggested. A new review conducted by the Audit Commission found that between January 2007 and September 2009, 37 council bosses left their jobs by "mutual agreement" and were given payoffs averaging £256,104. The organisation - which is an independent watchdog that aims to make local public services deliver efficient and effective outcomes - said that some such executives leave because of personality clashes with elected council officials and some should be sacked. According to the commission, mediation should be used "more widely" and should not be seen as a last resort. Speaking to the BBC, chairman Michael O'Higgins said too many people are being paid off and payments are excessive. He added: "Councils haven't thought about this in advance of employing somebody and they haven't followed the best procedures to keep the cost to a minimum." Related Articles: 11/5/2012 - Queen's Speech legal reforms welcomed 17/4/2012 - Further regulation to encourage family mediation: justice minster 2/4/2012 - Fuel tanker driver dispute talks scheduled for Wednesday 23/3/2012 - Landowners urged to take more responsibility for falling trees 22/3/2012 - Justice reforms move a step closer More Dispute Resolution News