Council / Bell takes on Accounts Commission role
FORMER Shetland Islands Council convener Malcolm Bell has appointed as a new member of a national public watchdog.
Bell, along with Nichola Brown, Jennifer Henderson and Ruth MacLeod, has joined the Accounts Commission.
It is responsible for reporting on performance and spending within Scotland’s councils.
The organisation delivered a mixed best value report on Shetland Islands Council in the summer, raising concern about financial sustainability and its pace of change.
Bell stepped down from his long-held role as a councillor and convener at May’s local government elections and is no longer based in Shetland.
The former senior police officer was also on the NHS Shetland board for more than a decade.
He said: “I am both honoured and delighted to be appointed as a member of the Accounts Commission.
“I very much look forward to contributing to the commission’s important work”.
Accounts Commission chair William Moyes said: “We now have a full complement of commissioners, with a wealth of talent, experience and knowledge of the delivery of vital local public services.
“These appointments have been confirmed at a time of important change for the commission.
“As Scotland’s councils continue to recover from the impacts of Covid-19 and address the consequences of inflation and the cost of living on their local communities, the commission is focused on ensuring the audit and scrutiny of local government helps councils deliver and improve services for citizens and our communities.”
The new appointments will run for four years through to 31 October 2026.
The role attracts a remuneration of £298.15 per day for a time commitment of two and a half days per month.
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