The organisational abilities of Robert Rams

Regular readers of this blog will remember that we reported that Councillor Robert Rams had organised a gig at a Barnet library by "Fallen Millie" a local band. Sharp eyed readers will remember a rant from Musoman blaming this blog for it's cancellation.  Musoman left his comment from a Barnet Council computer and was clearly "close to" Councillor Ramsbottom

 

The gig is detailed here - http://www.barnet.gov.uk/press_releases.htm?id=2325

As we said at the time, this blog wasn't against the concept of the gig at the library, but thought it was hypocritical of Rams to promote this whilst trying to shut Barnets premier venue, the Arts Depot. This email shows why so many things cock up at Barnet. Lack of attention to detail

This blog was unaware of why the gig was cancelled. One of our readers, Derek sent me this email yesterday which may throw some light on the issue. Given that the good councillor clearly didn't do the paperwork Blaming is is a bit rich of Mr Bottom

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From: Fahey, Mike [mailto:Mike.Fahey@Barnet.gov.uk]
Sent: Wednesday, March 16, 2011 3:26 PM
To: Derek 

Subject: FOI inquiry - Ref: Press Release - Fallen Millie to get Live and Loud in library

Dear **********,

I write regarding your FOI request of 23/2/11.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, the Council is required to provide you with copies of information covering the subject of your FOI request. In this case, the answer could either be a simple “no information is held” or a refusal to comply notice based upon section 12 of the FOIA.

I’ve chosen, instead, to treat your inquiry as correspondence. This is allowed for by the FOIA where the inquiry made is a question rather than a search for records. Your request clearly falls into this category, being a question regarding a particular situation rather than a request for records. I can advise you that:

1)      The Council is not exempt from licensing requirements

2)      The Council maintains PRS and other performing rights licenses but that the space in the Library did not have a performance license in place for the event you quote

3)      A temporary event license was not applied for 10 days in advance

Your Rights

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been handled, you can request a review by writing to the FOI Officer at: The London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London, N11 1NP (email foi@barnet.gov.uk).

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request or complaint, you have a right to appeal to the Information Commissioner at: The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF (telephone: 08456 30 60 60 or 01625 54 57 45; website: www.ico.gov.uk).

There is no charge for making an appeal.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Fahey

Divisional Manager, Adult Library Services

London Borough of Barnet, North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, London N11 1NP

Tel: 020 8359 3164