Lively Brent Council conference expected tomorrow

People are getting in touch with disbelief about the latest turn of events in Brent and asking what's the suspension of Clive Heaphy. I don't know what the specific allegation is but gross misconduct has to be pretty serious. Things such as racism, sexism, misuse of IT systems, major breaches of confidentiality would all be covered but it could be something quite technical. Remember these are only allegations and the council has a duty to investigate to see if they have any basis. Suspension is a neutral act while an investigation takes place and doesn't imply guilt. The same applies in the case of teachers and headteachers.

Meanwhile the Brent Executive and Senior Officers and Managers have a conference tomorrow which was arranged long ago. It should be interesting. Any flies on the wall should get in touch!

Brent budget making process threatened by suspension of Director of Finance

The news that Clive Heaphy, Brent's  Director of Finance has been suspended while allegations of gross misconduct are investigated deals a further blow to Brent's budget making process that takes place at this time of the year.

A Brent Council spokesman said the allegations were not related to financial irregularities and Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of the council, said, "Suspension is a neutral act and does not imply guilt in any way. When allegations are made, you have to follow them up and that is exactly what we are doing."