Mayor blasts 'scandal' of Marlow subsidising High Wycombe (From Bucks Free Press)
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Mayor blasts 'scandal' of Marlow subsidising High Wycombe
7:00am Monday 15th October 2012 in News By James Nadal
Cllr Gary Hall
TAXPAYERS in Marlow will be in revolt when they realise the 'immoral' amount they are paying to effectively subsidise High Wycombe town centre, a councillor says.
Princes Risborough Mayor Gary Hall has launched an attack on the way the current system operates, claiming it is intrinsically unfair on rural residents in areas such as Marlow, Lane End and his own town.
Whilst Marlow and Risborough have town councils, High Wycombe does not.
Instead it has High Wycombe Town Committee, connected to Wycombe District Council.
Cllr Hall, independent, pointed out administration costs for Marlow Town Council, which he said does an excellent job, are about £200,000 per year.
This is paid for by Marlow residents - but the same taxpayers are paying for High Wycombe too, he said.
Cllr Hall, speaking at a public meeting, said band D properties in Marlow and High Wycombe pay exactly the same in council tax, apart from for the precept to cover services.
Yet, he said, the £18,000 the committee pays towards services is "virtually nothing" meaning the costs are picked up by taxpayers across the district.
Cllr Hall called this a 'scandal' and said: "The rural parts of the district are paying more council tax than they should be, and High Wycombe town is underpaying, this is immoral.
"High Wycombe is four or five times the size of Marlow, you could reasonably expect the administration costs to be pro-rata and perhaps in the region of £1,000,000 per annum, however I am willing to be reasonable and accept that figure may be as low as £500,000.
"Even so this would mean over a ten year period WDC might be shelling out £10million for the administration of High Wycombe's local services while providing no such service for its parishes and this just isn't fair."
Cllr Richard Scott, representing Marlow, Conservative, said: "Cllr Hall makes a good point that in practice the residents are paying towards the administration of High Wycombe town centre, I can't argue with that, it's a fact.
"I think he's saying we (Marlow) pay twice - once for the town council and for the district so yes in theory we are subsidising High Wycombe town centre but this is part of the district council precept.
"I suspect most residents are unaware that High Wycombe doesn't have its own town council or separate precept for the centre of High Wycombe."
The committee's costs come from the district council's Democratic, Legal and Policy Service budget.
Cabinet Member Cllr Jean Teesdale, Conservative, said: "The way that the finances are worked out has been in practice for some time and is a more complex picture than has been painted. That being said, I do understand Cllr Hall’s concerns. As I said at the meeting, I will look in to the matter further."
Comments (47)
8:49am Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Of course it's not fair that Marlow residents should be paying more tax for their Wycombe counterparts, etc
I feel that NOW is the right time to move towards creating a Wycombe Town Council. Please watch this space for further information on this matter.
Of course it's not fair that Marlow residents should be paying more tax for their Wycombe counterparts, etc
I feel that NOW is the right time to move towards creating a Wycombe Town Council. Please watch this space for further information on this matter.
Darren Hayday
I feel that NOW is the right time to move towards creating a Wycombe Town Council. Please watch this space for further information on this matter.
9:04am Mon 15 Oct 12
miccles says...
Do these so called councillors at Princes Risborough, do anything constructive, other than whinge?
They should really look at their own council, and the damage they have done to the town before they even think of attacking other people.
If this town council is anything to go by, i think Wycombe is better off with out one.
Do these so called councillors at Princes Risborough, do anything constructive, other than whinge?
They should really look at their own council, and the damage they have done to the town before they even think of attacking other people.
If this town council is anything to go by, i think Wycombe is better off with out one.
miccles
They should really look at their own council, and the damage they have done to the town before they even think of attacking other people.
If this town council is anything to go by, i think Wycombe is better off with out one.
9:44am Mon 15 Oct 12
Mr Methane says...
It's not an extra level of bureaucracy that we need. Marlow residents pay taxes to three different councils. Unitary authories are the way to go.
It's not an extra level of bureaucracy that we need. Marlow residents pay taxes to three different councils. Unitary authories are the way to go.
Mr Methane
10:00am Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Mr Methane wrote:Yes - but first to make this case, a Town Council would be needed - then to go for a Unitary.
It's not an extra level of bureaucracy that we need. Marlow residents pay taxes to three different councils. Unitary authories are the way to go.
At the moment, the ruling WDC Tories have even ruled out a joint partnership with nearby Councils and are against having a Unitary Council.
It would make sense to start with a Town Council first, especially if the case can be shown that it would save people in tax, etc
10:03am Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
miccles wrote:Well this is called "Politics".. If you live in PR, then you have the right to vote these Cllrs out.
Do these so called councillors at Princes Risborough, do anything constructive, other than whinge?
They should really look at their own council, and the damage they have done to the town before they even think of attacking other people.
If this town council is anything to go by, i think Wycombe is better off with out one.
It’s not a nice game, but it’s the only way that works and we have the right and power of voting.
In Wycombe we don’t have this right as we don’t even have a Parish or Town Council.
We only have District Cllrs who also wear another hat and sit on committees - whereby we aren’t able to vote them off. They are automatically given these seats which make decisions about the town centre and surrounding wards..
11:04am Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
What complete nonsense, why pick up on one particular cost centre and create an unbalanced news articles such as this?
Town centre residents subsidise those in rural locations in so many other ways. as many WDC services are considerably more expensive to deliver to rural locations...waste collection for example.
If the cost of running Marlow and Risborough town councils is too great than close them. Hayday pipes up that we must go the other way and have a Wycombe town council of course.
Let WDC manage the affairs of the district and chop all town councils in the district immediately. Problem solved, and more of these sly, expense grabbing little numpties will have to get a proper job like the rest of us.
What complete nonsense, why pick up on one particular cost centre and create an unbalanced news articles such as this?
Town centre residents subsidise those in rural locations in so many other ways. as many WDC services are considerably more expensive to deliver to rural locations...waste collection for example.
If the cost of running Marlow and Risborough town councils is too great than close them. Hayday pipes up that we must go the other way and have a Wycombe town council of course.
Let WDC manage the affairs of the district and chop all town councils in the district immediately. Problem solved, and more of these sly, expense grabbing little numpties will have to get a proper job like the rest of us.
Stalemate
Town centre residents subsidise those in rural locations in so many other ways. as many WDC services are considerably more expensive to deliver to rural locations...waste collection for example.
If the cost of running Marlow and Risborough town councils is too great than close them. Hayday pipes up that we must go the other way and have a Wycombe town council of course.
Let WDC manage the affairs of the district and chop all town councils in the district immediately. Problem solved, and more of these sly, expense grabbing little numpties will have to get a proper job like the rest of us.
11:26am Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote:You are making all of the sounds of a Tory WDC Cllr... There are always going to be grounds for one side of an argument and another - but what makes you such an authority on this subject? All very well that you are throwing around 'names' but where is your substance for this argument (i.e. keeping things as they are - or going the extra mile and actually axing other Town Councils?) - also what is your 'proper' job may I ask?
What complete nonsense, why pick up on one particular cost centre and create an unbalanced news articles such as this?
Town centre residents subsidise those in rural locations in so many other ways. as many WDC services are considerably more expensive to deliver to rural locations...waste collection for example.
If the cost of running Marlow and Risborough town councils is too great than close them. Hayday pipes up that we must go the other way and have a Wycombe town council of course.
Let WDC manage the affairs of the district and chop all town councils in the district immediately. Problem solved, and more of these sly, expense grabbing little numpties will have to get a proper job like the rest of us.
11:38am Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
I run my own company, it makes good money and allows me to live in a mortgage free detached home and send my children to the very best schools in the land.
Others out there will hide behind the statement "run my own company", when in fact the company makes very little money. It's a clever ruse, and fools most unless they choose to download the company accounts and take a look.
There seem to be a good few would be councillors in Wycombe district who "run their own company" but in truth are desperate for some council expenses to put the leccy back on ;-)
I run my own company, it makes good money and allows me to live in a mortgage free detached home and send my children to the very best schools in the land.
Others out there will hide behind the statement "run my own company", when in fact the company makes very little money. It's a clever ruse, and fools most unless they choose to download the company accounts and take a look.
There seem to be a good few would be councillors in Wycombe district who "run their own company" but in truth are desperate for some council expenses to put the leccy back on ;-)
Stalemate
Others out there will hide behind the statement "run my own company", when in fact the company makes very little money. It's a clever ruse, and fools most unless they choose to download the company accounts and take a look.
There seem to be a good few would be councillors in Wycombe district who "run their own company" but in truth are desperate for some council expenses to put the leccy back on ;-)
12:46pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote:Thank you for telling us how wonderfully successful and privileged you and your children are but you didn’t answer my question “what makes you such an authority on this subject” – other than insulting most current/future aspiring local Councillors?
I run my own company, it makes good money and allows me to live in a mortgage free detached home and send my children to the very best schools in the land.
Others out there will hide behind the statement "run my own company", when in fact the company makes very little money. It's a clever ruse, and fools most unless they choose to download the company accounts and take a look.
There seem to be a good few would be councillors in Wycombe district who "run their own company" but in truth are desperate for some council expenses to put the leccy back on ;-)
Or are you going to inform us some more fascinating insights into your personal life – perhaps telling us that you drive a brand new Bentley with a personalised number plate, take 4 holidays a year and are a VIP BA frequent flyer?
I bet you wake up each and every morning and kiss your mirror – don’t you? Surely?
12:49pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
I'm feeling bad now, and wish I could STRIKE OFF those remarks ;-)
Just shows that sticking up for your mates on completely toilet local political issues is a pretty poor judgement call. Far too many gobby white-van men trying to run this country of ours; give 'em a slap and they'll pipe down.
I'm going to turn the thermostat down a notch or two, as it's way to warm and cosy in this house of mine ;-)
I'm feeling bad now, and wish I could STRIKE OFF those remarks ;-)
Just shows that sticking up for your mates on completely toilet local political issues is a pretty poor judgement call. Far too many gobby white-van men trying to run this country of ours; give 'em a slap and they'll pipe down.
I'm going to turn the thermostat down a notch or two, as it's way to warm and cosy in this house of mine ;-)
Stalemate
Just shows that sticking up for your mates on completely toilet local political issues is a pretty poor judgement call. Far too many gobby white-van men trying to run this country of ours; give 'em a slap and they'll pipe down.
I'm going to turn the thermostat down a notch or two, as it's way to warm and cosy in this house of mine ;-)
1:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12
fair say says...
Maybe High Wycombe Town would like our Princes Risborough councillors. They act like a load of children and spent/waste our council tax. We have the highest tax in the district. Here in Risborough we have to pay £95.21 yet Marlow town pay only £42.93 for a band D tax.
Maybe High Wycombe Town would like our Princes Risborough councillors. They act like a load of children and spent/waste our council tax. We have the highest tax in the district. Here in Risborough we have to pay £95.21 yet Marlow town pay only £42.93 for a band D tax.
fair say
1:47pm Mon 15 Oct 12
readerabc says...
why do we need any more layers of paperwork and unneeded expense
county
district
now town
why?
scrap them and have one council= less waste
why do we need any more layers of paperwork and unneeded expense
county
district
now town
why?
scrap them and have one council= less waste
readerabc
county
district
now town
why?
scrap them and have one council= less waste
1:50pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
Well said FairSay
Most posters on this site would have noticed that a certain someone always uses the line "and watch makes you such an authority" as if we are all meant to bow to his experience, not post a thing and simply agree with him on every matter.
Men of that ilk will happily send their wives out to work all week, waiting for years, nay decades, for the next cushy deal to come along. Wycombe Town Council will never happen, and there are a good many people in this town who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that stays the case.
Why not just man up and go get a proper job, or is it a case of "I don't do 9-5 honey".
Feckless I say.
Well said FairSay
Most posters on this site would have noticed that a certain someone always uses the line "and watch makes you such an authority" as if we are all meant to bow to his experience, not post a thing and simply agree with him on every matter.
Men of that ilk will happily send their wives out to work all week, waiting for years, nay decades, for the next cushy deal to come along. Wycombe Town Council will never happen, and there are a good many people in this town who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that stays the case.
Why not just man up and go get a proper job, or is it a case of "I don't do 9-5 honey".
Feckless I say.
Stalemate
Most posters on this site would have noticed that a certain someone always uses the line "and watch makes you such an authority" as if we are all meant to bow to his experience, not post a thing and simply agree with him on every matter.
Men of that ilk will happily send their wives out to work all week, waiting for years, nay decades, for the next cushy deal to come along. Wycombe Town Council will never happen, and there are a good many people in this town who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that stays the case.
Why not just man up and go get a proper job, or is it a case of "I don't do 9-5 honey".
Feckless I say.
1:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
and well said readerabc....another clued up member of the electorate who sees that the job centre is the best place for these feckless local bigwigs.
and well said readerabc....another clued up member of the electorate who sees that the job centre is the best place for these feckless local bigwigs.
Stalemate
2:03pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
readerabc wrote:I agree with you! However it's the powers that be that are stopping this from happening - as they don’t want to hand over power to anyone else.
why do we need any more layers of paperwork and unneeded expense
county
district
now town
why?
scrap them and have one council= less waste
Like everything, you have to start small to build up the case to get a Unitary Council in.
2:08pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote:Are you referring to me in particular?
Well said FairSay
Most posters on this site would have noticed that a certain someone always uses the line "and watch makes you such an authority" as if we are all meant to bow to his experience, not post a thing and simply agree with him on every matter.
Men of that ilk will happily send their wives out to work all week, waiting for years, nay decades, for the next cushy deal to come along. Wycombe Town Council will never happen, and there are a good many people in this town who will fight tooth and nail to make sure that stays the case.
Why not just man up and go get a proper job, or is it a case of "I don't do 9-5 honey".
Feckless I say.
2:13pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
You just have to read Hayday's response to readerabc!
The man really can't take a hint can he ;-)
You just have to read Hayday's response to readerabc!
The man really can't take a hint can he ;-)
Stalemate
The man really can't take a hint can he ;-)
2:22pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
LOL - I've worked out who you are...
;op
hahaha.... Bless.
LOL - I've worked out who you are...
;op
hahaha.... Bless.
Darren Hayday
;op
hahaha.... Bless.
2:30pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
Well good luck with that Hayday, come and say hi when you see me next. If you could carry a copy of Private Eye and introduce yourself as Deepthroat, I will be happy to shake hands.
It was nice of you to ask whether I was referring to you; did you spot a little sweetie that you liked on the libel trolley?
Well good luck with that Hayday, come and say hi when you see me next. If you could carry a copy of Private Eye and introduce yourself as Deepthroat, I will be happy to shake hands.
It was nice of you to ask whether I was referring to you; did you spot a little sweetie that you liked on the libel trolley?
Stalemate
It was nice of you to ask whether I was referring to you; did you spot a little sweetie that you liked on the libel trolley?
2:40pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote::o)
Well good luck with that Hayday, come and say hi when you see me next. If you could carry a copy of Private Eye and introduce yourself as Deepthroat, I will be happy to shake hands.
It was nice of you to ask whether I was referring to you; did you spot a little sweetie that you liked on the libel trolley?
hahaha - you've made my day.
;op
My - after all - you DO have some authority on this subject don’t you..
I hope that you are taking life a little more relaxed and not getting yourself stressed out in your old age..
2:49pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
I just had a call, are you looking to speak with me?
I just had a call, are you looking to speak with me?
Stalemate
2:51pm Mon 15 Oct 12
fair say says...
Why is the Mayor of Princes Risborough giving a story with Marlow in the headline, yet furthur down the story he mentions his own town of Princes Risborough. Is this because he knows residence of Risborough are fed up with paying the highest council tax in the district and he didn't want to bring that to the attention of the BFP readers.
Why didn't Councillor Hall say in the headline 'Scandal' of Risborough subsidising High Wycombe. Since he is suppose to be the Mayor of Risborough not Marlow.
Why is the Mayor of Princes Risborough giving a story with Marlow in the headline, yet furthur down the story he mentions his own town of Princes Risborough. Is this because he knows residence of Risborough are fed up with paying the highest council tax in the district and he didn't want to bring that to the attention of the BFP readers.
Why didn't Councillor Hall say in the headline 'Scandal' of Risborough subsidising High Wycombe. Since he is suppose to be the Mayor of Risborough not Marlow.
fair say
Why didn't Councillor Hall say in the headline 'Scandal' of Risborough subsidising High Wycombe. Since he is suppose to be the Mayor of Risborough not Marlow.
2:53pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote:I think that it’s called “paranoia” pal.
I just had a call, are you looking to speak with me?
:op
2:59pm Mon 15 Oct 12
miccles says...
Stalemate wrote:Obviously a councillor or ex councillor
I just had a call, are you looking to speak with me?
3:03pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
Fair Play, the entire story has been contacted for Gazza to push his old mucker Dazza into a town council seat. Risborough and Marlow are read herrings, this is just about Wycombe Town Council. Subtle as a brick!
Fair Play, the entire story has been contacted for Gazza to push his old mucker Dazza into a town council seat. Risborough and Marlow are read herrings, this is just about Wycombe Town Council. Subtle as a brick!
Stalemate
3:04pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
the spell checking on these postings is appalling.
the spell checking on these postings is appalling.
Stalemate
4:46pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote::o)
the spell checking on these postings is appalling.
A big smile for you "Salemate".
Enjoy your heating..
4:47pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Mandieeeeee... ;op
Mandieeeeee... ;op
Darren Hayday
4:57pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
So Hayday, when are you going to accept that you are out of power for good, and that no matter how hard you talk up a "Town Council" or "Unitary Authority" (LMAO!) to force a seismic shift that might get you back in, no-one is buying it?
So Hayday, when are you going to accept that you are out of power for good, and that no matter how hard you talk up a "Town Council" or "Unitary Authority" (LMAO!) to force a seismic shift that might get you back in, no-one is buying it?
Stalemate
5:36pm Mon 15 Oct 12
gpn01 says...
Once you've all finished your bickering and sniping, maybe we can revisit the original issue? It seems that there's too much being spent on performing tasks that could be run by a single authority. End result is that some areas are paying more for "administration" than others. Surely there's a really simple, cost effective solution?
Remove ALL Town Councils - If High Wycombe can cope without one, why does Princes Risborough and Marlow need one?
Remove ALL District Councils - after all, the services could be subsumed into Councy Councils.
Remove ALL County Councils - instead utilise a shared service model whereby there's just one HR Department for all Councils, one Payroll department, one Legal department, one IT Facility (it's known as G-Cloud and its already happening elsewhere), etc. etc.
This way you remove three layers of overhead.
Consolidate all ratepayer payments, so you don't have a country and district precepts. This would simplify the administration, making it cheaper to operate (and the savings could be passed back to ratepayers).
What you do still need is localised decision making - which is where MP's and Councillors still have a role. Or maybe that could be performed by Parish Councillors instead?
Lights blue touch paper, stands well back.....
Once you've all finished your bickering and sniping, maybe we can revisit the original issue? It seems that there's too much being spent on performing tasks that could be run by a single authority. End result is that some areas are paying more for "administration" than others. Surely there's a really simple, cost effective solution?
Remove ALL Town Councils - If High Wycombe can cope without one, why does Princes Risborough and Marlow need one?
Remove ALL District Councils - after all, the services could be subsumed into Councy Councils.
Remove ALL County Councils - instead utilise a shared service model whereby there's just one HR Department for all Councils, one Payroll department, one Legal department, one IT Facility (it's known as G-Cloud and its already happening elsewhere), etc. etc.
This way you remove three layers of overhead.
Consolidate all ratepayer payments, so you don't have a country and district precepts. This would simplify the administration, making it cheaper to operate (and the savings could be passed back to ratepayers).
What you do still need is localised decision making - which is where MP's and Councillors still have a role. Or maybe that could be performed by Parish Councillors instead?
Lights blue touch paper, stands well back.....
gpn01
Remove ALL Town Councils - If High Wycombe can cope without one, why does Princes Risborough and Marlow need one?
Remove ALL District Councils - after all, the services could be subsumed into Councy Councils.
Remove ALL County Councils - instead utilise a shared service model whereby there's just one HR Department for all Councils, one Payroll department, one Legal department, one IT Facility (it's known as G-Cloud and its already happening elsewhere), etc. etc.
This way you remove three layers of overhead.
Consolidate all ratepayer payments, so you don't have a country and district precepts. This would simplify the administration, making it cheaper to operate (and the savings could be passed back to ratepayers).
What you do still need is localised decision making - which is where MP's and Councillors still have a role. Or maybe that could be performed by Parish Councillors instead?
Lights blue touch paper, stands well back.....
6:23pm Mon 15 Oct 12
Verdamus says...
What nobody seems to understand that High Wycombe has only one councillor on the cabinet. Residents hereare tired of the town being run on the cheap by residents of Marlow and other parts of the District. A town council and a unitary is best.
What nobody seems to understand that High Wycombe has only one councillor on the cabinet. Residents hereare tired of the town being run on the cheap by residents of Marlow and other parts of the District. A town council and a unitary is best.
Verdamus
11:01pm Mon 15 Oct 12
demoness the second says...
I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))
I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))
demoness the second
5:04am Tue 16 Oct 12
Stalemate says...
Verdamus = Hayday
Wayneo is one of Hayday's mates
Verdamus = Hayday
Wayneo is one of Hayday's mates
Stalemate
Wayneo is one of Hayday's mates
6:10am Tue 16 Oct 12
geoffW says...
It's the Daren Hayday political mouththpiece column again.
It's the Daren Hayday political mouththpiece column again.
geoffW
6:24am Tue 16 Oct 12
Mr Silent Majority says...
geoffW wrote:I assume he wants to become a County Councillor, hence all the posting over the last couple of months. Oh dear!
It's the Daren Hayday political mouththpiece column again.
8:55am Tue 16 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Stalemate wrote:No I'm not Verdamus - I don't hide behind made up names "Clive".
Verdamus = Hayday
Wayneo is one of Hayday's mates
8:57am Tue 16 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
Mr Silent Majority wrote:Correct, plus just like you - I live in the area and have an interest in different local matters.
geoffW wrote:I assume he wants to become a County Councillor, hence all the posting over the last couple of months. Oh dear!
It's the Daren Hayday political mouththpiece column again.
9:03am Tue 16 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
geoffW wrote:Well Geoff to be honest, all I want to do is to add my 2p's worth and there is at least one person on this posting that is being rather personal and vindictive.
It's the Daren Hayday political mouththpiece column again.
It would be interesting if he were to be uncovered, for other people to know who he is and what his views are on 'plebs'.
A main reason why I left the 'nasty' party.
Yes I am political (for my sins) I can’t help it.
Just like you, I want to discuss different subjects.
I maybe wrong on some area’s but that’s the point of having the right to express your own views and also to listen to other views.
I also choose to write under my actual name.
9:05am Tue 16 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
miccles wrote:Yes - I believe that he is a current sitting Conservative WDC Councillor.
Stalemate wrote:Obviously a councillor or ex councillor
I just had a call, are you looking to speak with me?
Hence the reason that he's being rather vindictive and nasty, as he is not happy with me for standing up against the Stadium plans in Booker.
9:10am Tue 16 Oct 12
Darren Hayday says...
gpn01 wrote:I think that this would be a better idea - however I also know that the current leaders of BCC and WDC would be against this plan and will fight it (as they and their predecessors have in the past).
Once you've all finished your bickering and sniping, maybe we can revisit the original issue? It seems that there's too much being spent on performing tasks that could be run by a single authority. End result is that some areas are paying more for "administration
" than others. Surely there's a really simple, cost effective solution?
Remove ALL Town Councils - If High Wycombe can cope without one, why does Princes Risborough and Marlow need one?
Remove ALL District Councils - after all, the services could be subsumed into Councy Councils.
Remove ALL County Councils - instead utilise a shared service model whereby there's just one HR Department for all Councils, one Payroll department, one Legal department, one IT Facility (it's known as G-Cloud and its already happening elsewhere), etc. etc.
This way you remove three layers of overhead.
Consolidate all ratepayer payments, so you don't have a country and district precepts. This would simplify the administration, making it cheaper to operate (and the savings could be passed back to ratepayers).
What you do still need is localised decision making - which is where MP's and Councillors still have a role. Or maybe that could be performed by Parish Councillors instead?
Lights blue touch paper, stands well back.....
I know that there are many Councils up and down the UK that jointly work together or work better as Unitary Councils - but unfortunately that power is out of our hands.
I believe for instance that Wycombe should not have a Committee - that it should have a Town Council - this would be a start in the right direction.
Alex Collingwood - the current leader of WDC has recently stated that he doesn’t see the benefits of working jointly with the nearby other District Councils.
So - this is what we are left with..
11:16am Tue 16 Oct 12
Morag says...
demoness the second wrote:Yes, I have been wondering that myself. I haven't seen him since the infamous Editor's Chair Freedom of Speech debacle.
I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))
1:45pm Tue 16 Oct 12
J B Blackett says...
Morag wrote:A rhombus is a simple (non self-intersecting) quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length.
demoness the second wrote:Yes, I have been wondering that myself. I haven't seen him since the infamous Editor's Chair Freedom of Speech debacle.
I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))
.
Folk have to decide which side they are on. They do have a choice but not necessarily of the right angle.
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Sorry ; perhaps that was too obtuse.
1:59pm Tue 16 Oct 12
Morag says...
J B Blackett wrote:Beware, JBB. If someone accuses you of being acutely obtuse, it is not complimentary.
Morag wrote:A rhombus is a simple (non self-intersecting) quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length. . Folk have to decide which side they are on. They do have a choice but not necessarily of the right angle. . Sorry ; perhaps that was too obtuse.demoness the second wrote: I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))Yes, I have been wondering that myself. I haven't seen him since the infamous Editor's Chair Freedom of Speech debacle.
1:59pm Tue 16 Oct 12
gpn01 says...
J B Blackett wrote:Actually that holds true only in a flat universe. In a curved (concave or convex) universe the statement isn't correct. Real depends which universe you're living in. Looking at soem of the posts, I suspect that you're at least in a different dimension.
Morag wrote:A rhombus is a simple (non self-intersecting) quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length. . Folk have to decide which side they are on. They do have a choice but not necessarily of the right angle. . Sorry ; perhaps that was too obtuse.demoness the second wrote: I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))Yes, I have been wondering that myself. I haven't seen him since the infamous Editor's Chair Freedom of Speech debacle.
2:34pm Tue 16 Oct 12
J B Blackett says...
gpn01 wrote:A rhomboid is a rum bird which ever dimension it does or does not exist in.
J B Blackett wrote:Actually that holds true only in a flat universe. In a curved (concave or convex) universe the statement isn't correct. Real depends which universe you're living in. Looking at soem of the posts, I suspect that you're at least in a different dimension.
Morag wrote:A rhombus is a simple (non self-intersecting) quadrilateral whose four sides all have the same length. . Folk have to decide which side they are on. They do have a choice but not necessarily of the right angle. . Sorry ; perhaps that was too obtuse.demoness the second wrote: I want to know where Wayneo has gone - he would love a good old political rumbus :))Yes, I have been wondering that myself. I haven't seen him since the infamous Editor's Chair Freedom of Speech debacle.
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Most Non-Euclideans would concur.
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They would also say that 'Dimension trumps Universe' every time - especially while drinking from a Klein bottle
11:35pm Tue 16 Oct 12
holly4 says...
I think I prefer the annonymous banter. This is far too personal... I am not involved in politics and my views would prob not be of much interest to people, but this is fit for the playground. Take each other with a pinch of salt and a swig of tequila for both of your blood pressures sakes. Life is too short!!!
I think I prefer the annonymous banter. This is far too personal... I am not involved in politics and my views would prob not be of much interest to people, but this is fit for the playground. Take each other with a pinch of salt and a swig of tequila for both of your blood pressures sakes. Life is too short!!!
holly4
10:06pm Wed 17 Oct 12
DonRockell says...
Darren Hayday wrote:Have ever tried getting any sense out of the BCC or WDC if you live out side Wycombe or Aylesbury - I sure they think that it a place were the yokels live and interbred because they don't care about the roads, schools or services out side the big towns that's for sure.
gpn01 wrote:I think that this would be a better idea - however I also know that the current leaders of BCC and WDC would be against this plan and will fight it (as they and their predecessors have in the past).
Once you've all finished your bickering and sniping, maybe we can revisit the original issue? It seems that there's too much being spent on performing tasks that could be run by a single authority. End result is that some areas are paying more for "administration
" than others. Surely there's a really simple, cost effective solution?
Remove ALL Town Councils - If High Wycombe can cope without one, why does Princes Risborough and Marlow need one?
Remove ALL District Councils - after all, the services could be subsumed into Councy Councils.
Remove ALL County Councils - instead utilise a shared service model whereby there's just one HR Department for all Councils, one Payroll department, one Legal department, one IT Facility (it's known as G-Cloud and its already happening elsewhere), etc. etc.
This way you remove three layers of overhead.
Consolidate all ratepayer payments, so you don't have a country and district precepts. This would simplify the administration, making it cheaper to operate (and the savings could be passed back to ratepayers).
What you do still need is localised decision making - which is where MP's and Councillors still have a role. Or maybe that could be performed by Parish Councillors instead?
Lights blue touch paper, stands well back.....
I know that there are many Councils up and down the UK that jointly work together or work better as Unitary Councils - but unfortunately that power is out of our hands.
I believe for instance that Wycombe should not have a Committee - that it should have a Town Council - this would be a start in the right direction.
Alex Collingwood - the current leader of WDC has recently stated that he doesn’t see the benefits of working jointly with the nearby other District Councils.
So - this is what we are left with..
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