How many staff is not the most serious issue. The quality and lack of qualified staff in some sectors is. Despite owning many properties and requiring many new and altered buildings I think neither WNC or NNC employ architects. Why not? How can it make any decisions about the built environment without employing the only professionals fully trained in architecture and architectural design.
It's telling that there is no mention of the mental health on the over-stretched employees in the reports. As a user, it seems that the whole NNC is totally unfit for purpose on every level.
Coupled with the MPs we are lumbered with, Northants political leadership is rapidly becoming a cesspool
Selling property assets is never a wise decision. Retaining them and having rental income from them for many years will provide a larger income in the longer term.
Paul Blantern stated that NCC would be the first council in the country to fall because of this. (He blamed it on being the county of squires and shires, not keeping taxes low to stay in power and short term bad fiscal management!)
I doubt most of the electorate would vote for lower taxes if they realised that would mean reduced services and increased costs! It has been repeatedly been shown that 'outsourcing' is rarely better value than employing the staff 'in-house'.
The core purpose of the council is to serve the people. It seems we have been forgotten. Follow the money.
How many staff is not the most serious issue. The quality and lack of qualified staff in some sectors is. Despite owning many properties and requiring many new and altered buildings I think neither WNC or NNC employ architects. Why not? How can it make any decisions about the built environment without employing the only professionals fully trained in architecture and architectural design.
It's telling that there is no mention of the mental health on the over-stretched employees in the reports. As a user, it seems that the whole NNC is totally unfit for purpose on every level.
Coupled with the MPs we are lumbered with, Northants political leadership is rapidly becoming a cesspool
Selling property assets is never a wise decision. Retaining them and having rental income from them for many years will provide a larger income in the longer term.
Paul Blantern stated that NCC would be the first council in the country to fall because of this. (He blamed it on being the county of squires and shires, not keeping taxes low to stay in power and short term bad fiscal management!)
History set to repeat itself.
I doubt most of the electorate would vote for lower taxes if they realised that would mean reduced services and increased costs! It has been repeatedly been shown that 'outsourcing' is rarely better value than employing the staff 'in-house'.
Absolutely!!
Lower service, increased cost and bankrupt council!