Council Cuts

[garinda]

Originally Posted by gynn

I've just had a look at the proposed list of savings that went to HBC Cabinet yesterday, and I have to say it makes shocking reading. I don't envy the officers and members who have to carry out those savings. There are some very painful cuts there, and a lot of staff redundancies.

One worry I have is the proposed increases in income, which total nearly 650,000 pounds. It's one thing to cut back on spending, but its another thing to go out and generate income that wasn't there before, especially with reduced staff and reduced budgets. The concept of "speculate to accumulate" is not something familiar in local government.

All the same, I wish everyone good luck!

Does it say how the increased income can be raised?

Will they have to sell things, to do that?

[lancsdave]

Originally Posted by garinda

Does it say how the increased income can be raised?

Will they have to sell things, to do that?

I don't think scrap metal from a medal will raise that much

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I don't think scrap metal from a medal will raise that much

Ya but just think what it will bring at Sotheby's

[gynn]

Originally Posted by garinda

Does it say how the increased income can be raised?

Will they have to sell things, to do that?

It doesn't specify exactly how the income will be raised, which is perhaps the most worrying thing. Yes they can sell bits and pieces, and they can raise rents and increase fees and charges by more than the rate of inflation, but that comes at a cost in terms of customer resistance.

Each department seems to have a figure for increased income to achieve, and of course they can't include charges between departments as that would simply be robbing Peter to pay Paul.

The inference seems to be that they will do work for external bodies and get paid for it (work which they currently aren't doing!).

In the current economic climate, that sounds a more than risky strategy!

[garinda]

Originally Posted by gynn

It doesn't specify exactly how the income will be raised, which is perhaps the most worrying thing. Yes they can sell bits and pieces, and they can raise rents and increase fees and charges by more than the rate of inflation, but that comes at a cost in terms of customer resistance.

Each department seems to have a figure for increased income to achieve, and of course they can't include charges between departments as that would simply be robbing Peter to pay Paul.

The inference seems to be that they will do work for external bodies and get paid for it (work which they currently aren't doing!).

In the current economic climate, that sounds a more than risky strategy!

I might equire how much it would be to hire a council leader for the evening, to serve drinks at the East Lancashire Swingers and Dogger's Ball.

[Less]

Originally Posted by garinda

I might equire how much it would be to hire a council leader for the evening, to serve drinks at the East Lancashire Swingers and Dogger's Ball.

You'd end up with no sandwiches before the do even started.

[garinda]

Originally Posted by Less

You'd end up with no sandwiches before the do even started.

I didn't say which council's leader.



On second thoughts, that Come Dine With Me Padiham Mayoress, might be better value for money.

You don't want some Billy Bunter, leaving your balls without nibbles.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by garinda

I might equire how much it would be to hire a council leader for the evening, to serve drinks at the East Lancashire Swingers and Dogger's Ball.

Didn't realise you were a member G you've kept that quiet mate

[garinda]

Originally Posted by jaysay

Didn't realise you were a member G you've kept that quiet mate

I'm not.

They hire me as a style consultant.

Ensuring that everthing's done in the best possible taste.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by garinda

I'm not.

They hire me as a style consultant.

Ensuring that everthing's done in the best possible taste.

Do you supply the binoculars

[gynn]

Originally Posted by Less

You'd end up with no sandwiches before the do even started.

The good news in the list of £2.3 million pounds Council cuts is that £1,000 pounds will be cut from the Refreshments budget.

So pink salmon rather than red salmon from now on. One sausage roll each less, and reduced leftovers for the Scaitcliffe House staff.

Times are hard!

[garinda]

Originally Posted by gynn

The good news in the list of £2.3 million pounds Council cuts is that £1,000 pounds will be cut from the Refreshments budget.

So pink salmon rather than red salmon from now on. One sausage roll each less, and reduced leftovers for the Scaitcliffe House staff.

Times are hard!

They'll save that thousand quid, if they get Hurn's to stop cutting the crusts off their butties, and cutting then into dainty little triangles.

Time is money.

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by garinda

They'll save that thousand quid, if they get Hurn's to stop cutting the crusts off their butties, and cutting then into dainty little triangles.

Time is money.

Better still if it was just pie and peas

[Less]

Originally Posted by jaysay

Better still if it was just pie and peas

Would the caterers still be cutting the crust off?

"Would you like brown or red garnish with that Sir?"

[jaysay]

Originally Posted by Less

Would the caterers still be cutting the crust off?

"Would you like brown or red garnish with that Sir?"

What sauce comes in Green Less