Seeking answers from the council

IT was reported on May 22 that former Swindon Social Services director Keith Skerman is in the middle of a financial row.

It emerged that he is being flown to Aberdeen each week to fill the role of chief social work officer on the city council.

Mr Skerman was formerly the chief officer of Swindon Social Services department when it received a zero star rating from the Audit Commission last February.

At this time Swindon council released a statement saying that he was on sick leave as the result of a serious illness, which was followed by his departure shortly afterwards.

It is of course nice to know that Mr Skerman has made such a miraculous recovery from a serious illness so quickly.

Members for the Scottish Parliament have raised questions about his current appointment and described it as ludicrous and irresponsible.

As a tax payer I would like to know the answers to the following questions.

• Did Mr Skerman receive a golden handshake to terminate his employment at Swindon Borough Council and if so, how much?

• Is he receiving a pension from Swindon Borough Council and if so, how much?

• If Mr Skerman has received such payments will they be returned to Swindon council and terminated now that he has made his miraculous recovery?

• Have Swindon MPs raised questions about this matter?

K KANE Wroughton Swindon