I am calling for the Chief Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Council, David Jackson, to resign because of the financial mess the council faces. The recent rates hike of 7.65% is simply unacceptable and is entirely down to the much publicised mismanagement of the organisation, led by David Jackson. 

As chief executive, David Jackson is ultimately responsible and accountable for the crisis our council is now facing.  We, the ratepayers, are expected to shoulder the burden for his incompetence.  

How has our council ended up with £71million debt?  Where were the controls? Where were the spending limits? Where was the Chief Executive in all this? And why the sudden need for the huge rates increase? Why now, surely someone must have seen this coming?  Surely a Chief Executive is paid to see it coming?  I know that the chief executive, as well as other directors, receive a huge salary: what are they doing to fulfil their roles within council and ensure an efficient service to ratepayers? The performance to date does not suggest that their ability is commensurate with their huge salaries. 

The blocking of the forensic audit has angered the public immensely; we demand transparency and openness.  We demand accountability.  We demand better.  We demand the resignation of the Chief Executive, David Jackson.