We're All in this Together

[gynn]

Originally Posted by jaysay

anybody ever been round county hall, how many people do they employ, I've never seen so many people walking around aimlessly holding blank pieces of paper looking important

I spent 30 years witnessing that, jaysay. The first thing anyone embarking on a career in local government is taught is to how to grab a piece of A4 and say you are going to the print room. It can only be done if you put on a superior air that discourages anyone from asking why. I admit that I got away with it myself for many years.

Local government is built on jobsworths and self importance. Our friend Mr Halsall probably strolled round county hall looking important and earning a mega salary for being deputy sheriff, or whatever the title was.

Now he tells us the job was unnecessary and we all congratulate him and give him more money.

It's all smoke and mirrors. And the savings are there in spades, believe me!

[Mancie]

And so "we" are all in this..we the British public who will suffer massive job cuts can find billions to give to Ireland?.. if we are in deficit and owe trillions were do we find the billions to give to Ireland?.. do we borrow it?

[gynn]

What did I tell you?

"Finance director Gill Kilpatrick is being given a pay rise of £15,000 - up to around £90,000 - because she is taking on extra responsibilities as part of the shake-up."

Meanwhile, the new Chief Executive is settling in to the post, saying he was ‘pleased and honoured’ at his new job, where he will be in charge of 42,000 staff.'

Shortly to become 36,000 staff. So more money for him, less staff to look after. No wonder he's pleased!

I agree with Sandra Blight, a regional officer for the GMB union, who said

“It’s sickening news when we’ve got so many people potentially losing their jobs.”

[Bernard Dawson]

Maybe they should have got rid of the County Council when they had the chance. I say they, because some of us were arguing for that when Local Government Reorganisation was last on the agenda.There simply isn't any need for a two tier Local Government Structure.

[gynn]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

Maybe they should have got rid of the County Council when they had the chance. I say they, because some of us were arguing for that when Local Government Reorganisation was last on the agenda.There simply isn't any need for a two tier Local Government Structure.

You are 100% right, Bernard. And what a complete dog's breakfast they came up with, giving unitary status to Blackpool and Blackburn. It was the stuff of Yes, Minister.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

Maybe they should have got rid of the County Council when they had the chance. I say they, because some of us were arguing for that when Local Government Reorganisation was last on the agenda.There simply isn't any need for a two tier Local Government Structure.

Bernard, at last, something I can totally agree with, like yourself I was against LCC at the last reorganisation, I'm all in favour of the money being raised through the Council Tax being spent locally, on the households that pay it, at present only approx 19 pence in every pound is guaranteed being spent here the rest is designated through County Hall, as you say there is no need for a two tier Local Government Structure, Unitary Authorities are the way forward

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

You are 100% right, Bernard. And what a complete dog's breakfast they came up with, giving unitary status to Blackpool and Blackburn. It was the stuff of Yes, Minister.

and don't forget the various signs telling you whether your in Lancashire or not right in the middle of the county

[gynn]

Originally Posted by jaysay

at present only approx 19 pence in every pound is guaranteed being spent here the rest is designated through County Hall, as you say there is no need for a two tier Local Government Structure, Unitary Authorities are the way forward

....and the County Council have absolutely no responsibility for collecting the Council Tax. They just slap a bill on the district council's table every year, and tell them to collect it for them.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by gynn

....and the County Council have absolutely no responsibility for collecting the Council Tax. They just slap a bill on the district council's table every year, and tell them to collect it for them.

Absolutely, can have the poor lambs at county hall dealing with the plebs out in the sticks

[Barrie Yates]

Originally Posted by Bernard Dawson

I don't know how you can be so cynical. Doesn't everyone in Local Government have the best intrests of the ratepayer at heart.

Don't they all, local and national have their snouts in the same trough? Unless they prove otherwise they are all bent, never mind "Innocent until proven guilty". With all the scandals in my lifetime the opposite applies.