An elected representative at Belfast City Council has raised questions over a mystery employee for the local authority who’s set to be paid almost £300,000. DUP Councillor Bradley Ferguson has asked for more information on the role of a food standards “public analyst” after a contracts report to an important committee at City Hall revealed a contract was ready to go out to tender worth £294,000 for “up to four years” for one person – amounting to £73,500 per year. The report for the council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee states: “The Food Safety (NI) Order 1991 requires the council to appoint suitably qualified persons as public analysts within the district of the council, for the purpose of examining and analysing food samples to determine compliance with food safety, compositional and labelling requirements.”
At the February meeting of the S, P & R Committee Councillor Ferguson said: “I don’t know if it is the way it is worded – it says the contract value is £294,000 up to four years. Is that the value of the contract for this council alone, or is that split amongst all 11 councils?” A council officer said: “I think that is the value for our council, but I will double check that, and come back to you.” Councillor Ferguson said: “Something doesn’t add up there. Or I might apply for it, because that works out at 73 grand a year from this council alone. You times that by eleven and you have over £800,000 per year. “They will be the best paid person in the country. They will get more than (Belfast Council Chief Executive) John Walsh.”
Last year it was reported Chief Executive John Walsh was one of three Belfast staff to earn more than the £100,000 per year, taking home £158,338 after expenses and pensions. City Solicitor Nora Largey said: “The public analyst role is one that is undertaken through our regulatory enforcement team. It is an enforcement requirement when we test products, to determine whether or not they are safe. “It is my understanding that there are very few people that provide that on a regional basis, so it is expensive just by the nature of the specialist service that it is.” Sinn Féin Chair of the S, P & R Committee, Councillor Ryan Murphy, successfully proposed deferring the contract until elected members received more information on the role.
The Role of a Public Analyst in Local Government
A public analyst in local government is a scientist who analyzes samples to ensure compliance with food and environmental laws. They are a key part of the UK’s public protection enforcement service, and support local authorities and the private sector in enforcing food and environmental laws. They analyze chemical and compositional samples of food, water, and other materials, investigate environmental products and processes, and advise on waste management. They also monitor air pollution, advise on consumer safety, monitor asbestos and other hazards, and carry out toxicological work. The Public Analyst Scientific Services UK website states it is “the largest supplier of public and agricultural analyst services to local authorities in the UK.” It adds: “Our public analysts provide sampling advice, analytical services, and expert opinions to local authority customers and offer regional coverage across the UK, providing a local service.”
In conclusion, the role of a public analyst is crucial in ensuring the safety and compliance of food and environmental regulations. Their work plays a vital role in protecting public health and safety, and their expertise is invaluable in maintaining high standards in these sectors. Despite the hefty price tag attached to their services, the specialized nature of their work justifies the costs involved. As the debate continues over the salary of this mystery employee at Belfast City Council, it is essential to recognize the importance of their role in upholding food safety standards and environmental regulations.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up for our daily newsletter here. Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.
