WARRINGTON Borough Council has come under fire from local MP Helen Jones for refusing to provide information about it’s budget proposals regarding the transfer of in-house social care services.
The MP for Warrington North said: “The budget options include one to transfer in-house social care services for residential, respite and support to people with learning and physical disabilities to alternative providers.
“I was contacted by a constituent who, quite rightly, wanted to know if this would affect his elderly mother who is a resident at Woodleigh Community Support Centre in Callands.
“When my office contacted social services for information, they sent back only a standard letter, presumably drafted for councillors to send out, which said nothing.
“Further inquiries revealed a block being put on giving out this information by the Head of Strategic Communications.
“It is entirely unacceptable for officers of the Council to refuse to answer a perfectly legitimate enquiry made on behalf of a council tax payer.
“All councils face very difficult decisions because of the cuts being made by the Tory Lib Dem Government, but it is important that people are given full information to enable them to take part in the consultation. Telling people they can only have information after the consultation has closed, as I was told, is ridiculous.
“It seems that these officers have not changed their attitude even though control of the Council has changed. They display contempt for Warrington people. That is never good enough especially when difficult decisions have to be made.”
A council spokesperson said: “The council is currently consulting with residents, service users, businesses and community organisations on its budget for 2012-13.
As the consultation document makes clear, the substantial cuts in funding from central Government, combined with increased demand for services like adult social care, mean that the council faces some tough decisions. However, to pre-empt the feedback that is coming in on many of the proposals by briefing on decisions that may never be taken would be premature.”
The spokesperson continued: “No decision has been taken with regards to any of our in-house services. Until the consultation closes on 31 January, the proposals remain just that. The council’s priority is to listen to the public before we have to manage carefully any difficult decisions, and then to ensure that we inform and consult with
residents and employees properly at the right time. The council is willing to meet with the MP for Warrington North once the consultation has concluded and prior to making any decisions to provide her with a full briefing, and it is simply not the case that officers have refused to answer enquiries from the MP’s office.”
Council withheld budget request – MP
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
9 Comments
Perhaps afraid of more shadey dealings/practices being revealed, huh?
Quote”“All councils face very difficult decisions because of the cuts being made by the Tory Lib Dem Government, but it is important that people are given full information to enable them to take part in the consultation. Telling people they can only have information after the consultation has closed, as I was told, is ridiculous.
“It seems that these officers have not changed their attitude even though control of the Council has changed. They display contempt for Warrington people. ”
At last some-one has actually noticed what the rest of us have known for ages. Give that woman a prize.
Exactly! Once again our “elected” Councillors do not want true consultation. In order to listen to its residents in any meaningful consultation process we have to be given the details of any proposals. Who on earth is the “Head of Strategic Communications”? What sort of a non job is that? We could start by getting rid of that post and saving a front line job! Suggest we all write to our local Councillors a request a copy of this “secret” document and see what the proposals are. Its contents will be pretty revealing, don’t you think?
don’t worry the Labour run council don’t even consult with the unions so we the people have no chance – any way the budget details are lacking in detail. Looks like Warrington is stepping back to those days of tell them nothing.
The consultation document sent to residents tells you nothing – no detail whatsoever, so how is that consultation??????? Council tax payers are being treated like mushrooms by a labour administration – kept in the dark………….., you know how the saying goes!
I am trying to get a campaign off the ground to vote against EVERY sitting councillor in the town regardless of what party they stand for. I am fed up of them promising one thing when they campaign and then doing the complete opposite once elected. The current crop of councillors will not stand up to the Chief executive and strip her of the 9% pay-rise she has been awarded (despite the overwhelming majority of councils in the country actually CUTTING top level pay)
Councillors have become too cosy in there little world of taxpayer funded patys and jollys and allowances while systematically destroying the towns heritage (Warrington Baths, Bewsey Old Hall etc)…. It is time for a change – Tell all your mates and work collegues to vote against their current councillor in May…. It is the only way to make them realise that they work for us
THIS COUNCIL IS A – DO AS WE SAY NOT AS WE DO – sad because they just want power – they are not in it for Warrington
Maybe Ms Jones should simply ask for the document! Although devoid of detail it is available on WBC web site. The transfer of in-house Social Care is listed in the document for review.
An excellent idea but I think very difficult to put into practice. How are you trying to get your campaign off the ground? Are you using Facebook etc?