Full Council - 1st & 9th March

[garinda]

Is there any evidence that there will be a change of control at H.B.C., after the May elections?

It keeps getting mentioned, as if it's a certainty.

I remember much giddy excitement in May of last year.

Until the mayoral chains of office were dangled as a glittering loyalty prize.

Gaddafi's hanging on, against all the odds.

Anyone in the know like to give the odds of the ruling party being toppled in Hyndburn?

[Ken Moss]

Originally Posted by garinda

Is there any evidence that there will be a change of control at H.B.C., after the May elections?

It keeps getting mentioned, as if it's a certainty.

I remember much giddy excitement in May of last year.

Until the mayoral chains of office were dangled as a glittering loyalty prize.

Gaddafi's hanging on, against all the odds.

Anyone in the know like to give the odds of the ruling party toppling in Hyndburn?

HBC is one of the 30 councils expected to switch to Labour control in May which explains why even more cheques are being handed out than usual. Nothing is certain of course, but one would hope that common sense will prevail and people will see through electioneering to the wasteful, self-aggrandising spending we get the rest of the year.

The standard Consrvative argument against any cuts put forward has become 'gesture politics' but if cuts can be made, however small, surely that's a step in the right direction?

[Bernard Dawson]

Originally Posted by garinda

Is there any evidence that there will be a change of control at H.B.C., after the May elections?

It keeps getting mentioned, as if it's a certainty.

I remember much giddy excitement in May of last year.

Until the mayoral chains of office were dangled as a glittering loyalty prize.

Gaddafi's hanging on, against all the odds.

Anyone in the know like to give the odds of the ruling party being toppled in Hyndburn?

There's no certainties in politics. We'll be pushing hard for it of course,and making the case for change here in Hyndburn.But ultimately it will be up to the voters.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

HBC is one of the 30 councils expected to switch to Labour control in May which explains why even more cheques are being handed out than usual. Nothing is certain of course, but one would hope that common sense will prevail and people will see through electioneering to the wasteful, self-aggrandising spending we get the rest of the year.

The standard Consrvative argument against any cuts put forward has become 'gesture politics' but if cuts can be made, however small, surely that's a step in the right direction?

I stated on here that the charity group I help run would not be applying for another grant from H.B.C., because of the cuts in jobs and services.

I've no idea whether it's in the public arena, but we might be the recipient of a donation this year, that would pay for our accommodation for six months.

We were contacted, not the other way around.

We can not afford to turn money down, as this means other funds can be targeted towards assisting people living with Parkinson's, who need help or support. Also the fees we pay for hiring the accommodation we use is paid to H.B.C.

This money isn't guaranteed, as it was only mentioned in the last few weeks. We aren't obliged to take part in any publicity drive.

For whatever reason we might get it, it will be appreciated, and used to help local people.

Be assured that it certainly won't influence who I support politically, nor whom I praise, or criticise.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

There's no certainties in politics. We'll be pushing hard for it of course,and making the case for change here in Hyndburn.But ultimately it will be up to the voters.

I agree.

There are no guarantees in politics, as there isn't in the rest of life.

I do remember people wanting to ring the church bells, on one particular morning last May, whilst singing Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead.

Which because of Cllr. Malcolm Pritchard's decision, proved a little premature.

[Ken Moss]

Originally Posted by garinda

I stated on here that the charity group I help run would not be applying for another grant from H.B.C., because of the cuts in jobs and services.

I've no idea whether it's in the public arena, but we might be the recipient of a donation this year, that would pay for our accommodation for six months.

We were contacted, not the other way around.

We can not afford to turn money down, as this means other funds can be targeted towards assisting people living with Parkinson's, who need help or support. Also the fees we pay for hiring the accommodation we use is paid to H.B.C.

This money isn't guaranteed, as it was only mentioned in the last few weeks. We aren't obliged to take part in any publicity drive.

For whatever reason we might get it, it will be appreciated, and used to help local people.

Be assured that it certainly won't influence who I support politically, nor whom I praise, or criticise.

What fool would turn down money for a good cause. If it's there, take it, I don't think anyone would blame you.

However, as I said in response to Cllrs Roberts, Storey and Wilson last night, all three of whom pointed out that £500 could be the difference between a local group continuing or folding, they are absolutely spot on but since the money is being taken from reserves, has no reliance on the savings in the budget and is purportedly not for vote winning, why not do it in May last year instead of just ahead of the elections? Why did the opposition councillors only find out about it last night and why has a large proportion of it already been handed out in secret by the Conservative councillors up for re-election?

If Area Councils are such a good idea for the community then it should come from them, not one councillor.

[cashman]

Originally Posted by Whittaker

just a quick question councillor Moss if you objected to the conservative budget proposals why did'nt you vote against it? instead of Abstaining maybe the people of this forum may like to know that answer

Perhaps people on this forum may like to know "Why" apart from the not very meaningfull post, have contributed "Zilch" to this debate? or is it like i assume, yeh aint got the balls.

[ClarePritchard]

Councillor Whittaker, for your information, I DID vote against your budget because although I fully agree with a 0% Council Tax the other morally corrupt, vote grabbing, blatent electioneering parts of it turn me sick to the stomach. If your party spent more time actually LISTENING to what the public wants rather than imagining the millions of photo opportunities that await you when you present cheques then this borough MAY be better run. RANT OVER (for now !!!!!!!!)

[garinda]

Originally Posted by cashman

Perhaps people on this forum may like to know "Why" apart from the not very meaningfull post, have contributed "Zilch" to this debate? or is it like i assume, yeh aint got the balls.

Agree, or disagree with what he says, people do respect Ken Moss for speaking his mind.

He might make the odd snipe, but that is not the sole reason he comes on Accy Web. Unlike some.

The public value openess in politics.

Others could certainly learn from his example.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by ClarePritchard

Councillor Whittaker, for your information, I DID vote against your budget because although I fully agree with a 0% Council Tax the other morally corrupt, vote grabbing, blatent electioneering parts of it turn me sick to the stomach. If your party spent more time actually LISTENING to what the public wants rather than imagining the millions of photo opportunities that await you when you present cheques then this borough MAY be better run. RANT OVER (for now !!!!!!!!)

Oh, and not forgetting a few other councillors, who use this public arena to make their feelings known.

[Margaret Pilkington]

Clare.........I liked your rant, because what you said is true.
The people who are controlling the council were elected by the public of the borough.......they are there to do what the electorate want....but how can this come about when they have no idea about the concerns of the people of the borough?

Why don't they know about the concerns of the electorate? Because they don't LISTEN.

[Ken Moss]

Originally Posted by Whittaker

just a quick question councillor Moss if you objected to the conservative budget proposals why did'nt you vote against it? instead of Abstaining maybe the people of this forum may like to know that answer

I still haven't had my answer from you regarding the £17,500 'contribution to the democratic process'.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Ken Moss

I still haven't had my answer from you regarding the £17,500 'contribution to the democratic process'.

I honestly don't know Ken but could it have something to do with the referendum on polling day

[Less]

Originally Posted by jaysay

I honestly don't know Ken but could it have something to do with the referendum on polling day

Oh look, over there, some straws, lets clutch at them?

Surely if it was that simple they would proudly announce such a thing?

[JCB]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

But ultimately it will be up to the voters.

And the majority who happen to be non-voters .