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Row over phone mast blunder continues
WIRRAL Conservatives accused the council of burying its head in the sand' in a row over the controversial siting of four mobile phone masts last night.
They want a change in the 56-day rule governing mobile phone company applications after a council delay in sending out paperwork notifying T-Mobile of a planning committee decision refusing permission to install masts in Pensby, Gayton, Moreton and Claughton resulted in the phone giant having deemed consent' to go ahead with its plan.
Following public outcry a report was compiled by the former Chief Executive of Bolton Council Bernard Knight which found that administrative error was to blame. Disciplinary action was later taken against staff from Wirral's technical services department.
Wirral's regeneration and planning strategy overview and scrutiny committee met at Wallasey Town Hall on Tuesday night to discuss the report's finding and four Conservative councillors were called as witnesses. But they were later barred from addressing the committee.
During a heated meeting, deputy leader of Wirral's conservatives, Cllr Lesley Rennie told the committee: "I believe that many residents have lost confidence in this council. The call-in procedure is the last shred of democracy open to us as opposition, and is the only way the Conservatives can hold this lousy Labour Lib Dem alliance to account."
Prospective MP for Wallasey, Cllr Leah Fraser who was also barred from commenting during the meeting, said: "Along with other witnesses I was gagged, Labour and Liberal Democrats want all the power without the responsibility. They are simply burying their heads in the sand and hoping this matter will go away. It won't!"
Afterwards, Moreton and Saughall Massie councillor Chris Blakeley, who was also barred from addressing the meeting, said: "On this occasion, I'm afraid the word 'sorry' isn't enough.
"The incompetence of Wirral Borough Council was compounded by the failure of the Labour and Lib Dem councillors who sat on the regeneration and planning strategy scrutiny committee, who simply ratified the cabinet decision, perhaps this apathy shows just why Wirral is only a two-star authority."
Heswall councillor Andrew Hodson said, "This is crazy. I was named as a witness because I am a ward councillor whose residents are suffering as a direct result of this council's incompetence, and yet the Lib Dem Chairman said I wasn't?
"Clearly he is out of touch with what is going on! It was clear to me that Labour and Lib Dems had got together to manipulate the witness list to their best advantage. I wonder, what do they have to hide?"
Parliamentary candidate for Wirral West, Esther McVey said: "The planning debacle here on Wirral has exposed fundamental flaws in the Telecommunications Act which I'm now seeking to challenge the government over. Why should there be deemed planning consent after 56 days' if the telecommunications companies aren't notified? It's a total nonsense.
"Should anyone apply to the council for say, an extension on their house and get it refused, you won't find you've got deemed consent' after 56 days if the council haven't notified you of the refusal, so why should telecommunications companies get deemed consent for phone masts?
"Many people have voiced their strong concerns over health issues too, which in the light of on going scientific research must be taken into account when considering mast applications. The way the law stands at the moment is an absolute outrage, riding rough shod over the community's wishes and needs. It is undemocratic and I'm working to have it changed."
Lib Dem leader councillor Simon Holbrook told the Globe: "This is a mistake that occurred 12 months ago and it's time to move on. We need measures in place to ensure that this doesn't happen again.
"Mr Knight's report found administrative errors in the handling of the planning application's refusal which have now been addressed."
4:42pm Wednesday 26th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: marje on 7:14pm Wed 26 Mar 08
After reading this story,"ROW OVER PHONE MAST BLUNDER",Iam now convinced the right arm does not know what the left arm is doing in our coucil's office's. As regards to the councillor's that we have elected to act on our behalf,It is clear no body is taking the blame.Yet another insight as to how they all get it wrong and blame each other.In the meantime who is getting hung for the state of affairs and the planning permission **** up. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall that night.Resident's losing confidence is an understatement.
After reading this story,"ROW OVER PHONE MAST BLUNDER",Iam now convinced the right arm does not know what the left arm is doing in our coucil's office's. As regards to the councillor's that we have elected to act on our behalf,It is clear no body is taking the blame.Yet another insight as to how they all get it wrong and blame each other.In the meantime who is getting hung for the state of affairs and the planning permission **** up. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall that night.Resident's losing confidence is an understatement.
Posted by: Alan, Wallasey on 7:30pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Hang on, as much as I despise Tories, who decides that elected representatives cannot speak?
There is far too much secrecy with this Council lately and it has to stop.
I personally was not affected by this so called blunder but am affected by day to day decisions made by what is supposed to be a democratic Council.
I have no time for any of the politcal parties any more but Leah Fraser gets on my nerves and her only reason for seeking so much publicity is to enhance her chances of getting elected to Parliament. She certainly does very little for the people of Liscard despite all her pontificating and photo shoots.
Hang on, as much as I despise Tories, who decides that elected representatives cannot speak?
There is far too much secrecy with this Council lately and it has to stop.
I personally was not affected by this so called blunder but am affected by day to day decisions made by what is supposed to be a democratic Council.
I have no time for any of the politcal parties any more but Leah Fraser gets on my nerves and her only reason for seeking so much publicity is to enhance her chances of getting elected to Parliament. She certainly does very little for the people of Liscard despite all her pontificating and photo shoots.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 8:53pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Wouldnt the residents affected by this c*ck-up like to know what disclipinary action was taken and against whom, probably an admin clerk or clerks unable to defend themselves againt the might of the powers that be. The director of planning and technical services gets away with it yet again
Wouldnt the residents affected by this c*ck-up like to know what disclipinary action was taken and against whom, probably an admin clerk or clerks unable to defend themselves againt the might of the powers that be. The director of planning and technical services gets away with it yet again
Posted by: Ray Rowland, Noctorum on 9:16pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Of course Simon Holbrook wants "to move on" and we agree with him, preferably to another country Simon and take your labour and liberal cronies with you
Of course Simon Holbrook wants "to move on" and we agree with him, preferably to another country Simon and take your labour and liberal cronies with you
Posted by: dave, Heswall on 10:21pm Wed 26 Mar 08
As somebody who lives in the area where one of the masts was built, I have to say that the Council Executive's response has been pathetic. They have barred the representatives of those affected from speaking at the meeting- not a very democratic move.
I have inside info that one of the people "responsible" for the error was an admin clerk, who the managers in Technical Services placed all the blame on (to save their own skins) and was made to retire early!!! That was the extent of the disciplinary action taken!! The senior managers who were responsible, in Mr Knight's view, for the lack of procedures and guidance have not been touched. A senior manager should (and still might) go for this. Watch this space.
The health effects are dubious as I have a few friends working in the field who are 99% sure that there are little to no effects. The main gripe for most people has been the visual obstruction, and the lowering of house values as a consequence. I do hope that compensation claims are launched against the council.
As for Simon Holbrook's comments- well he may have a point in what he says, but he ignores that issues in Technical Services, which means this type of thing will probably happen again in the future. Technical Services is a disaster area, and it explain why the Council is getting 2 star ratings. We await Foulkes taking some action--- but he's got no party political gain to make out of it.........
As somebody who lives in the area where one of the masts was built, I have to say that the Council Executive's response has been pathetic. They have barred the representatives of those affected from speaking at the meeting- not a very democratic move.
I have inside info that one of the people "responsible" for the error was an admin clerk, who the managers in Technical Services placed all the blame on (to save their own skins) and was made to retire early!!! That was the extent of the disciplinary action taken!! The senior managers who were responsible, in Mr Knight's view, for the lack of procedures and guidance have not been touched. A senior manager should (and still might) go for this. Watch this space.
The health effects are dubious as I have a few friends working in the field who are 99% sure that there are little to no effects. The main gripe for most people has been the visual obstruction, and the lowering of house values as a consequence. I do hope that compensation claims are launched against the council.
As for Simon Holbrook's comments- well he may have a point in what he says, but he ignores that issues in Technical Services, which means this type of thing will probably happen again in the future. Technical Services is a disaster area, and it explain why the Council is getting 2 star ratings. We await Foulkes taking some action--- but he's got no party political gain to make out of it.........
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 11:52pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Dave...now why doesn't it surprise me that some poor clerk has carried the can as I suspected. I, like you, have always been sceptical about the so called health risks from mobile phone mast signals but that is purely a personal point of view but do totally accept that the cosmetic appearance of the things are hideous. I therefore have every sympathy for the affected residents. As for the political shenanigans of Tuesday evening in the Clown Hall, well they ought to be ashamed of themselves. This country a democracy? Not no more it aint and hasn't Foulkes and all his entourage just prove the point.
Dave...now why doesn't it surprise me that some poor clerk has carried the can as I suspected. I, like you, have always been sceptical about the so called health risks from mobile phone mast signals but that is purely a personal point of view but do totally accept that the cosmetic appearance of the things are hideous. I therefore have every sympathy for the affected residents. As for the political shenanigans of Tuesday evening in the Clown Hall, well they ought to be ashamed of themselves. This country a democracy? Not no more it aint and hasn't Foulkes and all his entourage just prove the point.
Posted by: dave, heswall on 12:10am Thu 27 Mar 08
Fully agree Dave (I've been scanning the local news stories, which is why I replied so quickly!) The council have now officially swept this under the carpet, as no more action can now be taken. What a triumph for local democracy!!
The police were invited by the Conservatives to conduct an investigation (according to Chris Blakeley's blog)
but this was again overruled by the Lib-Lab alliance on the Scrutiny Committee.
This should be of concern to all Wirral residents, not just those of Heswall, Pensby, Moreton and Claughton, as it shows the lack of transparency in local government. The Knight report said there was "no apparent evidence" of wrongdoing/corruptio
n, yet was not able to even interview the people responsible, as one has since resigned!!!!! It's as clear as mud.
The lack of procedures and policies in place basically meant that the Planning Officers did not follow up the issuing of the decision notices- this was fobbed off to the admin, which means that nobody has a personal interest in making sure the decision notice was issued!!! Why did a senior manager not lay down some clear policies and procedures for this?
Also, the 2 Planning Officers who dealt with the applications are still employed at the Council apparently, so it makes you wonder what, if any, action has been taken? The council still have not released the planning notice for the application on the website.. it is still down as "decision pending" which again, shows a lack of tranparency.
I will repeat that senior managers should have taken much more responsibility for this, and the fact they haven't shows what a deep mess this Council is in.
Fully agree Dave (I've been scanning the local news stories, which is why I replied so quickly!) The council have now officially swept this under the carpet, as no more action can now be taken. What a triumph for local democracy!!
The police were invited by the Conservatives to conduct an investigation (according to Chris Blakeley's blog)
but this was again overruled by the Lib-Lab alliance on the Scrutiny Committee.
This should be of concern to all Wirral residents, not just those of Heswall, Pensby, Moreton and Claughton, as it shows the lack of transparency in local government. The Knight report said there was "no apparent evidence" of wrongdoing/corruptio
n, yet was not able to even interview the people responsible, as one has since resigned!!!!! It's as clear as mud.
The lack of procedures and policies in place basically meant that the Planning Officers did not follow up the issuing of the decision notices- this was fobbed off to the admin, which means that nobody has a personal interest in making sure the decision notice was issued!!! Why did a senior manager not lay down some clear policies and procedures for this?
Also, the 2 Planning Officers who dealt with the applications are still employed at the Council apparently, so it makes you wonder what, if any, action has been taken? The council still have not released the planning notice for the application on the website.. it is still down as "decision pending" which again, shows a lack of tranparency.
I will repeat that senior managers should have taken much more responsibility for this, and the fact they haven't shows what a deep mess this Council is in.
Posted by: marje on 12:54am Thu 27 Mar 08
Thank you gents for these most revealing statements.The sacrificial lambs being led to the slaughter,it is always the under dog that suffers and takes the blame.I feel so disgusted,annoyed and frustrated about the whole issue.It makes one wonder about corruption with all the underhanded-ness of our councils elect.Senior administration should have taken more resposibilty for this.I now feel more empowered to make a concious decision, with my vote when it will be needed at the local election.
Thank you gents for these most revealing statements.The sacrificial lambs being led to the slaughter,it is always the under dog that suffers and takes the blame.I feel so disgusted,annoyed and frustrated about the whole issue.It makes one wonder about corruption with all the underhanded-ness of our councils elect.Senior administration should have taken more resposibilty for this.I now feel more empowered to make a concious decision, with my vote when it will be needed at the local election.
Posted by: marje on 7:01am Thu 27 Mar 08
Excuse the couple of typing errors in previous entry.I did not do a spell check.lol and it was an early entry.
Excuse the couple of typing errors in previous entry.I did not do a spell check.lol and it was an early entry.
Posted by: mike, moreton on 9:34am Thu 27 Mar 08
nobody was sacked for their part in the **** up- well what a suprise, where the council refuse to abide by the rules. If this happened in a private firm, some of the managers would have gone as well. But not at Wirral Council.
This brings you on to the whole lack of accountability in local government, particularly for senior council officers. Who removes them if they are not doing their job properly? Do they have targets or job reviews like the "ordinary people" do? Questions, questions
nobody was sacked for their part in the **** up- well what a suprise, where the council refuse to abide by the rules. If this happened in a private firm, some of the managers would have gone as well. But not at Wirral Council.
This brings you on to the whole lack of accountability in local government, particularly for senior council officers. Who removes them if they are not doing their job properly? Do they have targets or job reviews like the "ordinary people" do? Questions, questions
Posted by: mike, moreton on 1:24pm Thu 27 Mar 08
In relation to this issue - I noticed this document which is going to the Council cabinet next week.
http://www.wirral.go
v.uk/minute/public/c
abppy080403rep01_269
20.pdf
Bascially it is encouraging employees not to go public with any evidence of malpractice, but rather to disclose it internally, so the council can hush it up.
Interesting and rather worrying. It says that allegations of malpractice should be disclosed :
"internally which is more likely to uphold the reputation of the council and maintain public confidence (rather) than malpractice being disclosed to the public ".
Absolutely outrageous. The council in effect are proposing to deal with it all inhouse, and keep the public in the dark.
In relation to this issue - I noticed this document which is going to the Council cabinet next week.
http://www.wirral.go
v.uk/minute/public/c
abppy080403rep01_269
20.pdf
Bascially it is encouraging employees not to go public with any evidence of malpractice, but rather to disclose it internally, so the council can hush it up.
Interesting and rather worrying. It says that allegations of malpractice should be disclosed :
"internally which is more likely to uphold the reputation of the council and maintain public confidence (rather) than malpractice being disclosed to the public ".
Absolutely outrageous. The council in effect are proposing to deal with it all inhouse, and keep the public in the dark.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 3:31pm Thu 27 Mar 08
With every piece of damning information that comes out about MBW I find myself saying "why am I not surprised"
If a member of staff reported malpractice or any other "goings on" to his own employer and later that malpractice came to light and was investigated externally, that employee would not be protected under "The Whistle-blowers Act"
With every piece of damning information that comes out about MBW I find myself saying "why am I not surprised"
If a member of staff reported malpractice or any other "goings on" to his own employer and later that malpractice came to light and was investigated externally, that employee would not be protected under "The Whistle-blowers Act"
Posted by: teki's toenails, birkenhead on 1:00am Sat 29 Mar 08
FAO Dave Rimmer, there is an interesting discussion on the Daily Express website abou overpaid council executives. Seems like a fair few councils have employed council officials who could not last 2 minutes in the private sector.
FAO Dave Rimmer, there is an interesting discussion on the Daily Express website abou overpaid council executives. Seems like a fair few councils have employed council officials who could not last 2 minutes in the private sector.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 3:19pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Thanks for that info...I will have a look but my main concern is the incompetent, overpaid officers of Wirral as you and I and all the other council tax payers pay for that incompetence....Than
ks again
Thanks for that info...I will have a look but my main concern is the incompetent, overpaid officers of Wirral as you and I and all the other council tax payers pay for that incompetence....Than
ks again
Posted by: David, Wirral on 9:52pm Sat 29 Mar 08
I don't see the problem. These masts are such an integral and essential part of the environment. They bring jobs to the area, and are a real sight for sore eyes. The fact that these council executives are deciding to put these items of beauty up in areas in need of sprucing up, is a sign of a bright future - do you see these magnificient spires of hope erected in the back garden's of Caldy? Thurstaston? Mollington? No. These wonderful people, without a consideration for their own benefit, gave the go ahead for the erection in areas [italic]where they need it [bold]most[/bold] [/italic]! Their promises of the regeneration of deprived areas finally start here! And no doubt the phone company's sponsorship of these 'masts of hope' will go back into the community. Hurray for the executives!
I don't see the problem. These masts are such an integral and essential part of the environment. They bring jobs to the area, and are a real sight for sore eyes. The fact that these council executives are deciding to put these items of beauty up in areas in need of sprucing up, is a sign of a bright future - do you see these magnificient spires of hope erected in the back garden's of Caldy? Thurstaston? Mollington? No. These wonderful people, without a consideration for their own benefit, gave the go ahead for the erection in areas
where they need it most ! Their promises of the regeneration of deprived areas finally start here! And no doubt the phone company's sponsorship of these 'masts of hope' will go back into the community. Hurray for the executives!
Posted by: dave, Heswall on 7:23pm Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]David[/bold] wrote:
I don't see the problem. These masts are such an integral and essential part of the environment. They bring jobs to the area, and are a real sight for sore eyes. The fact that these council executives are deciding to put these items of beauty up in areas in need of sprucing up, is a sign of a bright future - do you see these magnificient spires of hope erected in the back garden's of Caldy? Thurstaston? Mollington? No. These wonderful people, without a consideration for their own benefit, gave the go ahead for the erection in areas [italic]where they need it [bold]most[/bold] [/italic]! Their promises of the regeneration of deprived areas finally start here! And no doubt the phone company's sponsorship of these 'masts of hope' will go back into the community. Hurray for the executives![/quote] I think I get the point you are making, David, and I agree to a certain extent.
There are certainly less masts in places like Caldy than there should be normally, and I don't think it is a coincidence that it happens to be a place where some of the Council executives live.
On the other side of the coin, there are also less masts than there would normally be in the North end of Birkenhead or other parts of the Wirral. They happen to be Labour strongholds - again, is this is a coincidence?
Having said that, upper Heswall has more than its fair share of masts.. but lower heswall has none, and again, there are council officals who live in lower heswall - a coincidence?
Mollington and other place near Chester are where other council officers live... are there any masts there? Nope. How strange.
So they won't lose any value off their houses, but us residents in Heswall lose a lot of money off ours thanks to this [bold]useless council and particularly the technical services department[/bold]
It's becoming more evident that more and more people have lost faith with the council leadership in the executive and the chief officers. Hopefully we will vote out Foulkes' usless Labour leadership in May, but unfortunately we cannot vote out incompetent council officers.. and we all know who they are. This is where action needs to be taken to go some way towards restoring peoples' faith in local government. Otherwise, this Council will continue to drift, rudderless and unamanned, and with ever more leaks in the hull. I woul personally get people with actual [bold]track records of success[/bold] in to replace the Council Officers, some of whom only have track records of [bold]failure[/bold] and who wouldn't last a second in the real world, i.e. the private sector, where failure is actually punished.
David wrote:
I don't see the problem. These masts are such an integral and essential part of the environment. They bring jobs to the area, and are a real sight for sore eyes. The fact that these council executives are deciding to put these items of beauty up in areas in need of sprucing up, is a sign of a bright future - do you see these magnificient spires of hope erected in the back garden's of Caldy? Thurstaston? Mollington? No. These wonderful people, without a consideration for their own benefit, gave the go ahead for the erection in areas where they need it most ! Their promises of the regeneration of deprived areas finally start here! And no doubt the phone company's sponsorship of these 'masts of hope' will go back into the community. Hurray for the executives!
I think I get the point you are making, David, and I agree to a certain extent.
There are certainly less masts in places like Caldy than there should be normally, and I don't think it is a coincidence that it happens to be a place where some of the Council executives live.
On the other side of the coin, there are also less masts than there would normally be in the North end of Birkenhead or other parts of the Wirral. They happen to be Labour strongholds - again, is this is a coincidence?
Having said that, upper Heswall has more than its fair share of masts.. but lower heswall has none, and again, there are council officals who live in lower heswall - a coincidence?
Mollington and other place near Chester are where other council officers live... are there any masts there? Nope. How strange.
So they won't lose any value off their houses, but us residents in Heswall lose a lot of money off ours thanks to this
useless council and particularly the technical services department
It's becoming more evident that more and more people have lost faith with the council leadership in the executive and the chief officers. Hopefully we will vote out Foulkes' usless Labour leadership in May, but unfortunately we cannot vote out incompetent council officers.. and we all know who they are. This is where action needs to be taken to go some way towards restoring peoples' faith in local government. Otherwise, this Council will continue to drift, rudderless and unamanned, and with ever more leaks in the hull. I woul personally get people with actual
track records of success in to replace the Council Officers, some of whom only have track records of
failure and who wouldn't last a second in the real world, i.e. the private sector, where failure is actually punished.
Posted by: Glenn, Greasby on 1:52pm Mon 31 Mar 08
The posts under this news story continue to highlight the frustration we, the residents of Wirral, have with those in office in the council who are supposed to serve us!!!
I find it amazing the information Mike has posted about the council asking its staff to basically sweep under the carpet any actions of malpractice.
Where is the transparency?
Does this not lead to the possibility of high level corruption in the council?
Who has proposed this?
Mike, if you could reconfirm this is still on the agenda for this weeks council cabinet meeting, I am going to write to my elected councillors and ask them to vote against this proposal.
I would recommend everybody else do the same thing!
Normally I would steer away from contacting my councillors believing they are useless but I’m sure if there were enough people questioning what the council were doing over this they might take notice.
Especially as we approach May elections!!!
And please can Justin and the guys at WIRRAL GLOBE take note of these proposals.
Would just like to add two more points about this;
Firstly am I getting too cynical but is the WBC press officer working overtime to ensure these stories have minimal impact?
The report from Bolton councillor was issued during the Christmas period and this has come out during Easter.
Probably when most people have other things on their mind!
Secondly, maybe Mike or Dave R know the answer, even though the Bolton councillor did his own investigations, has this matter still gone to the Local Government Ombudsman?
The posts under this news story continue to highlight the frustration we, the residents of Wirral, have with those in office in the council who are supposed to serve us!!!
I find it amazing the information Mike has posted about the council asking its staff to basically sweep under the carpet any actions of malpractice.
Where is the transparency?
Does this not lead to the possibility of high level corruption in the council?
Who has proposed this?
Mike, if you could reconfirm this is still on the agenda for this weeks council cabinet meeting, I am going to write to my elected councillors and ask them to vote against this proposal.
I would recommend everybody else do the same thing!
Normally I would steer away from contacting my councillors believing they are useless but I’m sure if there were enough people questioning what the council were doing over this they might take notice.
Especially as we approach May elections!!!
And please can Justin and the guys at WIRRAL GLOBE take note of these proposals.
Would just like to add two more points about this;
Firstly am I getting too cynical but is the WBC press officer working overtime to ensure these stories have minimal impact?
The report from Bolton councillor was issued during the Christmas period and this has come out during Easter.
Probably when most people have other things on their mind!
Secondly, maybe Mike or Dave R know the answer, even though the Bolton councillor did his own investigations, has this matter still gone to the Local Government Ombudsman?
Posted by: Who Gives a Toss?, Mars on 5:09pm Mon 31 Mar 08
[quote]WIRRAL Conservatives accused the council of burying its head in the sand' in a row over the controversial siting of four mobile phone masts last night.[/quote] wirral con-cil dont you mean the labour-lib dem alliance??? the ones that say they wont do a deal to get into power??? thats why we have a labour/Lib Dem Con-cil, yeah right dont believe the bullcrap!!!
WIRRAL Conservatives accused the council of burying its head in the sand' in a row over the controversial siting of four mobile phone masts last night.
wirral con-cil dont you mean the labour-lib dem alliance??? the ones that say they wont do a deal to get into power??? thats why we have a labour/Lib Dem Con-cil, yeah right dont believe the bullcrap!!!
Posted by: mike, moreton, near Green's mast on 7:03pm Mon 31 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Glenn[/bold] wrote:
The posts under this news story continue to highlight the frustration we, the residents of Wirral, have with those in office in the council who are supposed to serve us!!! I find it amazing the information Mike has posted about the council asking its staff to basically sweep under the carpet any actions of malpractice. Where is the transparency? Does this not lead to the possibility of high level corruption in the council? Who has proposed this? Mike, if you could reconfirm this is still on the agenda for this weeks council cabinet meeting, I am going to write to my elected councillors and ask them to vote against this proposal. I would recommend everybody else do the same thing! Normally I would steer away from contacting my councillors believing they are useless but I’m sure if there were enough people questioning what the council were doing over this they might take notice. Especially as we approach May elections!!! And please can Justin and the guys at WIRRAL GLOBE take note of these proposals. Would just like to add two more points about this; Firstly am I getting too cynical but is the WBC press officer working overtime to ensure these stories have minimal impact? The report from Bolton councillor was issued during the Christmas period and this has come out during Easter. Probably when most people have other things on their mind! Secondly, maybe Mike or Dave R know the answer, even though the Bolton councillor did his own investigations, has this matter still gone to the Local Government Ombudsman? [/quote] Glenn, I have just checked, and yes it is still there. There is obviously a need for an avenue within the council for people to report suspected illegal/corrupt activity to, but the wording of it cerates the strong impression that this is being brought in to hide the council's (numerous) dirty secrets from the public. I find it outrageous, as do many others that the Council are effectively trying to claim parliamentary privledge for everything they do.
I wonder if the Conservatives on the Council are aware of this? It sounds very much like these new procedures have been drawn up by certain offcials at Wirral Borough Council..... no guesses who....
Glenn wrote:
The posts under this news story continue to highlight the frustration we, the residents of Wirral, have with those in office in the council who are supposed to serve us!!! I find it amazing the information Mike has posted about the council asking its staff to basically sweep under the carpet any actions of malpractice. Where is the transparency? Does this not lead to the possibility of high level corruption in the council? Who has proposed this? Mike, if you could reconfirm this is still on the agenda for this weeks council cabinet meeting, I am going to write to my elected councillors and ask them to vote against this proposal. I would recommend everybody else do the same thing! Normally I would steer away from contacting my councillors believing they are useless but I’m sure if there were enough people questioning what the council were doing over this they might take notice. Especially as we approach May elections!!! And please can Justin and the guys at WIRRAL GLOBE take note of these proposals. Would just like to add two more points about this; Firstly am I getting too cynical but is the WBC press officer working overtime to ensure these stories have minimal impact? The report from Bolton councillor was issued during the Christmas period and this has come out during Easter. Probably when most people have other things on their mind! Secondly, maybe Mike or Dave R know the answer, even though the Bolton councillor did his own investigations, has this matter still gone to the Local Government Ombudsman?
Glenn, I have just checked, and yes it is still there. There is obviously a need for an avenue within the council for people to report suspected illegal/corrupt activity to, but the wording of it cerates the strong impression that this is being brought in to hide the council's (numerous) dirty secrets from the public. I find it outrageous, as do many others that the Council are effectively trying to claim parliamentary privledge for everything they do.
I wonder if the Conservatives on the Council are aware of this? It sounds very much like these new procedures have been drawn up by certain offcials at Wirral Borough Council..... no guesses who....
Posted by: mike, moreton near Green's mast on 7:09pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Forgot to add Glenn, the proposal is being put before the Cabinet (i.e. the labour and lib-dem councillors) so the Conservatives may not be able to do anything about this. Having said that, bringing this out into the public domain is at least one way of exposing some of the goings on within Wirral Borough Council's highest ranks. The whole issue stinks.
Foulkes and his cronies will vote this through - afterall, have they ever refused to do what an unelected council official "recommends" (tells them to do)??
Forgot to add Glenn, the proposal is being put before the Cabinet (i.e. the labour and lib-dem councillors) so the Conservatives may not be able to do anything about this. Having said that, bringing this out into the public domain is at least one way of exposing some of the goings on within Wirral Borough Council's highest ranks. The whole issue stinks.
Foulkes and his cronies will vote this through - afterall, have they ever refused to do what an unelected council official "recommends" (tells them to do)??
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 7:56pm Tue 1 Apr 08
Afraid so guys....the usual rubber stamp job.
Afraid so guys....the usual rubber stamp job.
Posted by: Dave Rimmer, Wallasey on 2:52pm Fri 4 Apr 08
I must apologise to MBW, according to Moreton Mike, rubber stamping did not occur, the Cabinet sent the proposal to the Employment subcommittee for their consideration.
However that does beg the question, why!
I must apologise to MBW, according to Moreton Mike, rubber stamping did not occur, the Cabinet sent the proposal to the Employment subcommittee for their consideration.
However that does beg the question, why!
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