Sheltered Warden cuts on the BBC news

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/8090384.stm

In this clip, Council Leader Mike Freer says that "The council finances are quite robust and this is not about saving money". What is it about then? Just upsetting senior citizens for the sake of it? The council spent £165,000 on a consultation. Mike Freer ignored the the result. At the cabinet meeting tonight, a cabinet Colleague asked why the consultation was being ignored. The Cabinet member responsible, Richard Cornelius stated that the "consultation wasn't representative, because most of the people they asked were directly affected".

I could write a whole book on the meeting. I am too disgusted. Suffice to say that members such as Councillor Andrew Harper and Councillor Helena Hart asked well intentioned sounding questions. It was only when the well rehearsed answers were given, that those present realised that the whole thing was a put up job and they'd been practising it earlier. The only Cabinet member who I suspect asked a genuine question was Councillor Daniel Thomas. He actually sounded as if he meant it and the reply was the only one which didn't sound rehearsed. Members of the public had their say. Probably the most powerful was Vicki Morris. Mike Freer sounded nervy and unconvincing as he tried to fend off Vicki's question. Mike even forgot to call the last questioner as he was so flustered.

The final question asked if they could give the Council a letter. This could actually be the moment the whole sorry scheme collapsed. I've seen the letter and it seems that there is to be a legal challenge. Let's just recap on a few details about the cuts to Wardens. all of the items below are facts :-

1. The cuts were not in the 2005 Tory manifesto. They were introduced after Mike Freer staged his coup and deposed Salinger, who lead the Council at the last election (you know, the same Mike Freer who said Gordon Brown should call an Election as he wasn't elected).

2. The Council said it was committed to consultation. 81% of those consulted opposed the cuts. They ignored the result.

3. Council Leader Mike Freer has stated that there is no financial need for the Warden cut on the BBC.

4. Mike Freer claims that experts have stated that on site wardens are "inefficient". It has been estimated that roaming wardens could spend up to 30% of their working day travelling. An on-site warden is 100% available.

5. No explanation was given as to what would happen to the vulnerable if we had another Barnet "Snow Day" where the borough ground to a halt. Would you want your mum or dad's life to be imperilled due to a bit of snow on the road?

6. Mike Freer claimed that the European working day directive prevented wardens from working outside core hours. John Burgess, the UNISON union rep was standing ext to me and confirmed that this was incorrect.

I could go on, but you get the idea.