A WHISTLE-BLOWING network for employees is set to be unveiled by Blackpool Borough Council.

The new ethics watchdog will have the task of maintaining the highest levels of integrity by the authority's workforce and elected members.

An independent cross-party Standards Committee meets for the first time today (February 24) to discuss the plans.

If the new initiative is given the green light, council employees will be notified of trustworthy contacts to report serious concerns of malpractice without fear of victimisation or reprisals.

And a special register will be set up for councillors to declare any gifts or hospitality they receive in a bid to prevent any allegation of wrongdoing.

It is hoped that the scheme will give council members an avenue for advice and guidance prior to the acceptance of offers which could be seen to gain favour or advantage for an individual or organisation. Town Hall chiefs say the new confidential reporting code will cover various major issues that would otherwise be difficult to deal with through the normal complaints procedures.

These would include complaints relating to fraud, corruption and abuse of a sexual or physical nature.

Allegations would be rigorously investigated and could be referred to the police.

Blackpool Mayor, Councillor Bill Burgess, who is the independent chairman of the Standards Committee, said the new body would mirror its Westminster counterpart.

It is being introduced as part of the council's new political management structure which aims to eradicate out-dated systems in favour of a more responsive and fast-track decision-making executive.

Coun Burgess said: "We will keep a watchful eye over council ethics and if we introduce a confidential whistle-blowing code this could help uncover malpractice, just as allegations of wrongdoing could be prevented by monitoring and advising councillors on the acceptance of gifts and hospitality."

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