Barnet Council and the stupidity of Brian Coleman who hasn't learned from the Metpro fiasco

Had a rather interesting chat with one of our rather esteemed Barnet Tory Councillors yesterday (Saturday). Bumped into him as he was procuring his weekly supply of truffles, beluga caviar and champagne (they know how to live these Tories). He's not one of my regular informants, but he's not totally devoid of humour either.

"You rather upset Brian, did you hear about it?". Now always the master of the bluff, I thought I'd better find out. "Yes, I got  a few whispers". Apparently Brian Coleman took exception to the fact that he thought one of the Tory Councillors had leaked the news to me that Leader Lynne Hillan had a suntan and threw a paddy in the Tory Councillor meeting. It seems he had a right pop at  "one of your Mill Hill Councillors".  My new informant signed off with "Mind you, I suppose you've already written a blog all about it". Well I hadn't but thanks.

Anyway hapless Mill Hill Councillors are not the only people Brian Coleman has been insulting. He's also been insulting his own Council officers. The following is a question from Lib Dem leader, Jack Cohen to Coleman for the forthcoming Council meetings :-

Question 4 Councillor Jack Cohen

At the February Council meeting, I asked you a question and a supplementary about residents
parking permits and visitor vouchers. I asked you to explain the discrepancy between the figures in
the current schedule of charges i.e. £12 per book of ten vouchers and £42 for a 1st permit and
what residents are actually charged i.e. £10.00 per book and £40.00 for the permit. When I asked
you if this meant that the Council had lost out on revenue you responded "I never knowingly
undercharge."

Can you now explain why despite the decision of the Cabinet Resources Committee
on the 23 April 2009 PARKING FEES AND CHARGES (Report of the Leader/Cabinet Member for
Resources and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport – Agenda Item 8):

For the reasons set out in the Cabinet Member’s report
RESOLVED –
(1) That the fees and charges for the parking section, as detailed in the associated appendices of
the report be approved to take effect as soon as practically possible.
(2) That the relevant Traffic Management Orders and Variation Notices are made to reflect the
fees and charges as set out in the relevant appendices to the report.2 and whilst in the associated appendices the permits are increased to £42.00 and the vouchers increased to £12 .00 this appears not to have been implemented"

Answer by Councillor Brian Coleman
Sheer incompetence and inefficiency by Council Officers.

Of course it's never Brian Colemans fault, is it? Even though he's in charge. One of Brian Colemans pet projects is the outsourcing of parking control. UNISON rep John Burgess was told by  senior Council officer that this contract will not be referred to the scrutiny committee. Brian Coleman asked Jeff Lustig (Barnet Council Legal chief) if it was possible to  avoid scrutiny and award it without overview and Lustig said yes.

This was in the week when Barnet Council executive went into meltdown over the Metpro scandal. The whole Metpro issue was the most clear example possible that private contractors need proper oversight and control when acting on behalf of the Council. Sadly Coleman has learned nothing.  When a private army of contracted out Parking enforcement officers start fleecing residents to meet their  bonus targets, who will Coleman blame then? His rude and ignorant outburst in the Tory Councillor meeting showed his contempt for his colleagues. His attempt to circumvent scrutiny is another example. Porkychops thinks he knows best.

What Coleman doesn't understand is that his boorish behaviour demotivates staff and colleagues. It is called poor management skills. When you lack the basic skills to do the job, your staff productivity  gets worse. It isn't incompetence and inefficiency on their part, it is bad management. Of course in Brian  Colemans little world, it's never his fault. I often wonder if when Brian Coleman wakes up the second decision he makes every day is "How can I make a complete arsehole of myself today". It  seems like this week, he's excelled himself.

Oh by the way, as I parted company with our esteemed Tory friend, I commented on his shopping basket "You should have a word with Brian, maybe he could sort you out an Assett Co hamper?" He gave me a rather puzzled look. I wonder if he knows?

P.S Click on the picture for a great diet for pigs !!!!!