Unfortunate features of the Scrutiny Committee session are, that it was chaired by the wife of a member of the NNC "Executive Committee" (properly, the council Cabinet), that while it was theoretically broadcast live on Youtube, in fact the sound was turned off throughout the broadcast, and that broadcast has now been expunged from the NNC Youtube archive. It was, in addition, extremely foolish - there is no other description that can be used - of Cllr Howell not to show up for the meeting. Scrutiny, in the reasonably understood meaning of the word, has therefore, quite simply, not happened.
Cllr Pengelly is quite right. There does need to be a full investigation of the Cornerstone project. Indeed, I would go further. The investigation needs to be fully independent of the council and should be sponsored by the Secretary of State.
Where is Kettering's MP, Mr Hollobone, and why is he silent on all this?
I’ve been suggesting for years that KBC, and now NNC, employ an in-house architect to assist in procuring building projects, designing those new build and refurbishment projects and administering the building contract. The catalogue of mismanagement is less likely to have happened since that is what architects (7 years minimum training to above masters degree level) are professionally qualified to do. GSS were brought in far too late to sort out a problem purely of conservative councillors making. In the past the use by KBC/NNC of ‘outside consultants’ has been shorthand for city-based, non-local companies not familiar with the area and/or not correctly professionally qualified. Estate agents to redesign the town centre for example! My offer remains open as unlike most councillors I was born here and do have the areas best interests at heart.
Poor quality workmanship, why do these projects always end up costing more? When I employ a builder to quote me for work I get a firm quote, if they have underquoted then that is their problem, not mine, I expect the job to be completed on time and on cost, do you think it's because it's public money the negotiators don't care?
The building contracts that local authorities are ‘encouraged’ to use are not traditional ’fixed price’ contracts. They are ‘Design and Build’ ones that were not designed for bespoke projects to briefs based on the needs of the end user, but to briefs based on the need for contractor’s profit.
We are being failed by the Executive of this council, it needs careful monitoring and held accountable for their actions. Well done Councillor Lee for continuing to stand up for the residents of not just Kettering but also the rest of North Northamptonshire.
I have no (printable) words to express my anger at this whole sorry affair. I trust that Kettering people will remember this scandal when they are called upon to choose a new council.
The Friends of Kettering Gallery and Museum have offered comment throughout this project but feel that we have been brushed off. The article is accurate and well balanced and Anne Lee has done a fantastic job in highlighting the issues that we now face. In the current economic climate, we have considerable worry about the future of these cultural assets and we all need to monitor the situation carefully.
Kettering is being screwed every which way by the new unitary shambles. Full marks to NNJ for keeping residents up to date - the council certainly isn't!
Unfortunate features of the Scrutiny Committee session are, that it was chaired by the wife of a member of the NNC "Executive Committee" (properly, the council Cabinet), that while it was theoretically broadcast live on Youtube, in fact the sound was turned off throughout the broadcast, and that broadcast has now been expunged from the NNC Youtube archive. It was, in addition, extremely foolish - there is no other description that can be used - of Cllr Howell not to show up for the meeting. Scrutiny, in the reasonably understood meaning of the word, has therefore, quite simply, not happened.
Cllr Pengelly is quite right. There does need to be a full investigation of the Cornerstone project. Indeed, I would go further. The investigation needs to be fully independent of the council and should be sponsored by the Secretary of State.
Where is Kettering's MP, Mr Hollobone, and why is he silent on all this?
Because he is no longer our MP and also because, being a Conservative Mr. Hollobone was probably part of the problem.
I’ve been suggesting for years that KBC, and now NNC, employ an in-house architect to assist in procuring building projects, designing those new build and refurbishment projects and administering the building contract. The catalogue of mismanagement is less likely to have happened since that is what architects (7 years minimum training to above masters degree level) are professionally qualified to do. GSS were brought in far too late to sort out a problem purely of conservative councillors making. In the past the use by KBC/NNC of ‘outside consultants’ has been shorthand for city-based, non-local companies not familiar with the area and/or not correctly professionally qualified. Estate agents to redesign the town centre for example! My offer remains open as unlike most councillors I was born here and do have the areas best interests at heart.
Officers can only work within a framework set by elected councillors- but neither group inspires confidence.
Poor quality workmanship, why do these projects always end up costing more? When I employ a builder to quote me for work I get a firm quote, if they have underquoted then that is their problem, not mine, I expect the job to be completed on time and on cost, do you think it's because it's public money the negotiators don't care?
The building contracts that local authorities are ‘encouraged’ to use are not traditional ’fixed price’ contracts. They are ‘Design and Build’ ones that were not designed for bespoke projects to briefs based on the needs of the end user, but to briefs based on the need for contractor’s profit.
We are being failed by the Executive of this council, it needs careful monitoring and held accountable for their actions. Well done Councillor Lee for continuing to stand up for the residents of not just Kettering but also the rest of North Northamptonshire.
I have no (printable) words to express my anger at this whole sorry affair. I trust that Kettering people will remember this scandal when they are called upon to choose a new council.
The Friends of Kettering Gallery and Museum have offered comment throughout this project but feel that we have been brushed off. The article is accurate and well balanced and Anne Lee has done a fantastic job in highlighting the issues that we now face. In the current economic climate, we have considerable worry about the future of these cultural assets and we all need to monitor the situation carefully.
When are these local jumped up Napoleons going to realise that they are accountable in the ballot box?
Public funds comes from public pockets.
This is a typical and common example of what goes wrong when there isn't a finger on the pulse
Kettering is being screwed every which way by the new unitary shambles. Full marks to NNJ for keeping residents up to date - the council certainly isn't!