Council Overspend - Page 6

Royboy39 · 19-06-2008, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE

Just stating the obvious, nothing brave about it

I think you might be right Bernie

garinda · 19-06-2008, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by g jones

The Auditors came in for a week, travel around on buses where the Council wants them to go, interview a few important Council officials about our ambitions. This year they were put up the Dunkenhalgh and finished off with voulevants and expensive champagne. I was barred from being interviewed.

Nice work if you can get it!

I wonder how much, and who funded, this not so little jolly?

I think it's outrageous that the leader of the opposition on the council wasn't interviewed, whoever that might be at particular time. There's nothing like a little balance, and it would stop later accusations of a whitewash.

g jones · 19-06-2008, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Nice work if you can get it!

I wonder how much, and who funded, this not so little jolly?

I think it's outrageous that the leader of the opposition on the council wasn't interviewed, whoever that might be at particular time. There's nothing like a little balance, and it would stop later accusations of a whitewash.

I spoke with a senior Auditor (from the Audit Commission) from Sheffield last month and told him this. He was amazed and thought the Auditors were 'clearly not up to the job'. He said what any Joe Bloggs would work out from the beginning to interview the Leader and Opposition Leader. I think the accommodation and food was more than up to standard (check the photos of them all guzzling champers) and they didn't want to offend their host. The spreads were all the finest foods. The Council paid by the way.

garinda · 19-06-2008, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by g jones

I spoke with a senior Auditor (from the Audit Commission) from Sheffield last month and told him this. He was amazed and thought the Auditors were 'clearly not up to the job'. He said what any Joe Bloggs would work out from the beginning to interview the Leader and Opposition Leader. I think the accommodation and food was more than up to standard (check the photos of them all guzzling champers) and they didn't want to offend their host. The spreads were all the finest foods. The Council paid by the way.

I know it's not historically possible, but I've just got this vision of meglomaniacal Nero, playing on the fiddle, while all around him was being destroyed by fire, and at the same time Marie Antoinette scoffing expensive little cakes.

I suppose it'll be the poor saps who are struggling to survive on crumbs, and who will have to fund this bean feast, who'll be the losers.

Royboy39 · 19-06-2008, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Nice work if you can get it!

I wonder how much, and who funded, this not so little jolly?

I think it's outrageous that the leader of the opposition on the council wasn't interviewed, whoever that might be at particular time. There's nothing like a little balance, and it would stop later accusations of a whitewash.

Could this not be payback time for the Prats at the helm in Downing Street who have operated a 'Need to know' policy from square one?

garinda · 19-06-2008, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by g jones

I spoke with a senior Auditor (from the Audit Commission) from Sheffield last month and told him this. He was amazed and thought the Auditors were 'clearly not up to the job'. He said what any Joe Bloggs would work out from the beginning to interview the Leader and Opposition Leader. I think the accommodation and food was more than up to standard (check the photos of them all guzzling champers) and they didn't want to offend their host. The spreads were all the finest foods. The Council paid by the way.

Ok, so the Duke of Kent might not have known where Hyndburn is, but after this lavish show of hospitality was laid on, I bet those Champagne quaffing Auditors will never forget Hyndburn in a hurry.

garinda · 19-06-2008, 22:42

In this time of economic uncertainty, when many people are struggling financially, even the Queen was wise enough to cancel any show of overt ostentation, at the public's expense, for her Diamond Wedding celebrations later this year.

cashman · 19-06-2008, 22:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

In this time of economic uncertainty, when many people are struggling financially, even the Queen was wise enough to cancel any show of overt ostentation, at the public's expense, for her Diamond Wedding celebrations later this year.

ah but the queens not our beloved council leader.

Neil · 19-06-2008, 23:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

Ok, so the Duke of Kent might not have known where Hyndburn is, but after this lavish show of hospitality was laid on, I bet those Champagne quaffing Auditors will never forget Hyndburn in a hurry.

I bet they are treated to similar quaffing by most Council's.

g jones · 19-06-2008, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

I bet they are treated to similar quaffing by most Council's.

Probably Neil. Thats the name of the game isn't it?

Got to say Andrew attended Peel & Barnfield AC and I want to thank him. I might not agree with but participation is important.

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Neil · 19-06-2008, 23:48

While you are about Graham what is all this money being spent on Pendle Street?
It is a lot of cash after all. Are these private or Council/HH houses?
Come to think of it while I am asking questions, do HBC own any houses anymore or did all the stock transfer to HH?

BERNADETTE · 19-06-2008, 23:54

Is the money being spent in Pendle Street not home improvement grants?

Neil · 19-06-2008, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by BERNADETTE

Is the money being spent in Pendle Street not home improvement grants?

Why just one street? I drove down it today whilst passing nearby. It looks quite a tidy street with the properties in good external order. Much better than other streets around the same area.

BERNADETTE · 20-06-2008, 00:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Why just one street? I drove down it today whilst passing nearby. It looks quite a tidy street with the properties in good external order. Much better than other streets around the same area.

Maybe the street looks tidy because it has had so much money spent on it. These grants are for quite extensive improvements internal and external.

Neil · 20-06-2008, 00:23

The paper say

Quote:

a rise in costs of £999,000 towards refurbishing properties in Pendle Street, Accrington

I would like to know why any of my Council tax is used to refurbish private properties if that is the case. Improvements grants should come from central Government in my opinion. Maybe someone can explain what it is all about.

Another story in the Observer refers to an arrested murderer from 24 Pendle Street.