Move for more scrutiny of Lothian bus bosses by councillors amid transparency concerns

A motion will be discussed at a council meeting on Thursday 27 February

Concerns over the transparency of Lothian buses have lead to a move to force the bus company’s managing director and chair to answer questions from councillors on an annual basis.

The Liberal Democrats’ transport spokesman, councillor Kevin Lang, has tabled a motion for the next Transport and Environment Committee meeting calling for Richard Hall and Jim McFarlane to answer questions following concerns over transparency at the bus operators.

The bus company, which is owned by Edinburgh City Council in partnership with other local authorities, is run as an arms-length commercial business but is still subject to laws around Freedom of Information.

More scrutiny could be on the way for Lothian buses

In the last six months, the company has refused to release information requested by this newspaper on several different topics, including Mr Hall’s expenses.

The bus supremo was the highest paid public sector employee in Edinburgh last year, earning £165,000 a year before £62,700 extra in bonuses and pension add-ons.

Cllr Lang described Lothian as playing a “critical” role in the future of the Capital’s plans to improve transport, but called on the company to improve its openness to scrutiny.

He said: “There are few companies more important than Lothian buses when it comes to the success of the city. It will play a critical role in the Council’s plan to cut congestion, improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions.

Lib Dem transport spokesman Kevin Lang has tabled a motion for the next committee meeting

“However, questions have been raised over some of Lothian buses’ recent decisions along with concerns over a general lack of openness and transparency.

“Given it is a publicly owned company, it’s right that elected councillors have a chance to better scrutinise and ask questions of those responsible for leading the company.”

Cllr Lang’s motion calls on the council to agree that Lothian must “operate in as open and transparent a manner as possible” and “be open to having its performance and decision making scrutinised” by elected representatives.

The motion, if passed, will see Mr McFarlane and Mr Hall, and any future successors, give a presentation to the committee on an annual basis.

Nigel Serafini, Lothian’s Commercial Director said: “In the interest of transparency Lothian publishes annual figures on its website in line with a standard followed by other publicly owned transport operators such as Transport for London.

“Under the 1985 Transport Act, Lothian must operate on an arm’s length basis and be independent from political influence or control.

“We meet regularly with elected figures from all parties at a local and national level and welcome constructive and open engagement.”

The Conservative’s transport spokesman, councillor Nick Cook, said “Mr Hall’s leadership at Lothian has produced award winning results.

“It is important that any publicly owned organisation is transparent on issues like executive pay, expenses and relevant performance issues impacting passengers”

A council spokesman said the motion would be considered by councillors on the transport and environment committee at the next meeting scheduled for Thursday 27 February.