I am truly shocked by the latest revelations concerning the battle between Barnet residents and the Council, who are seeking to impose massive new stealth taxes in the form of a CPZ parking fee hike. Local Conservatives have over the years tried to tell me that Brian Coleman is a "true Tory". Sadly this lie has been exposed as he's the bloke who is championing this HUGE STEALTH TAX INCREASE. The Tories used to mock Gordon Brown for his "addiction to stealth taxes" which he hiked in an attempt to keep down income tax. Well Brian Coleman is quite clearly Barnet Councils very own Gordon Brown. 10% of the population use CPZ parking permits - Not the richest 10% who have drives and don't need one, just the middle 10% who own smallish homes, with no room for a drive. Typically the type of people who are struggling to get on.
As if clobbering this unfortunate section of the population wasn't bad enough, Barnet Council has now launched a dirty war against them, for having the audacity to complain. The protestors, lead by David Attfield have asked for a judicial review. Barnet Council have responded with bully boy tactics. They have hired a top QC and their defence tactics state the following :-
1. The case only concerns "a limited number of residents of the Borough of Barnet" and, therefore, is not a case of broad importance.
2. David is simply opposed to the "extent of spending cuts in Barnet" and his claim is "purely political". His remedy should be the ballot box and not the court.
3. David's case "is solely based on his desire to avoid incurring extra financial expense to park outside his home".
Regarding the first point. Given the widespread support for David Attfields campaign and the fact that the changes affect 100% of the residents of Barnet (those that don't pay CPZ fees being subsidised by those that do), the first point is plainly a bare faced porkie.
As to the second point. Davids campaign has nothing to do with cuts. It is all about the cost of parking. Surely Barnet Councils defence defies all logic or sense. If David was solely concerned with cuts, he'd be pleased to see extra revenue raised from increased CPZ fees. It is clearly a slur, to try and portray David Attfield as something he isn't.
The third point is also clearly an attempt to besmirch David Attfield. His campaign has received widespread support. Many Conservative Councillors have expressed disquiet at the plan, not least Deputy Council Leader Andrew Harper (see this leaked email on the Future Shape blog)
http://barnetfutureshape.blogspot.com/2011/02/brian-coleman-is-horrified-that-parking.html
In fact the email comprehensively destroys all three of the points Barnet Council are using in their defence. Council Brian "Gordon Brown" Coleman, knows this. The officers know this. Presumably the QC knows this. I hope the Judge reads this email and sends Barnet and their expensive QC (paid for by you, me and Mr Attfield) packing.
It never ceases to amaze me, just how low Barnet Council is sinking. First Brian Coleman launches a campaign of Brownesque daylight robbery, in the form of Stealth Taxes and then the Council go to war with law abiding residents. It really makes me sick.
Read the full story here, I'm off to throw up -
http://barnetcpz.blogspot.com/2011/05/barnet-council-finally-respond-and.html
I have one message for Brian "Gordon Brown" Coleman - Your number is up mate. You have been exposed. You are a typical slimy toad of a politician, who will clobber anyone for taxes, if you think you can get away with it.
As if clobbering this unfortunate section of the population wasn't bad enough, Barnet Council has now launched a dirty war against them, for having the audacity to complain. The protestors, lead by David Attfield have asked for a judicial review. Barnet Council have responded with bully boy tactics. They have hired a top QC and their defence tactics state the following :-
1. The case only concerns "a limited number of residents of the Borough of Barnet" and, therefore, is not a case of broad importance.
2. David is simply opposed to the "extent of spending cuts in Barnet" and his claim is "purely political". His remedy should be the ballot box and not the court.
3. David's case "is solely based on his desire to avoid incurring extra financial expense to park outside his home".
Regarding the first point. Given the widespread support for David Attfields campaign and the fact that the changes affect 100% of the residents of Barnet (those that don't pay CPZ fees being subsidised by those that do), the first point is plainly a bare faced porkie.
As to the second point. Davids campaign has nothing to do with cuts. It is all about the cost of parking. Surely Barnet Councils defence defies all logic or sense. If David was solely concerned with cuts, he'd be pleased to see extra revenue raised from increased CPZ fees. It is clearly a slur, to try and portray David Attfield as something he isn't.
The third point is also clearly an attempt to besmirch David Attfield. His campaign has received widespread support. Many Conservative Councillors have expressed disquiet at the plan, not least Deputy Council Leader Andrew Harper (see this leaked email on the Future Shape blog)
http://barnetfutureshape.blogspot.com/2011/02/brian-coleman-is-horrified-that-parking.html
In fact the email comprehensively destroys all three of the points Barnet Council are using in their defence. Council Brian "Gordon Brown" Coleman, knows this. The officers know this. Presumably the QC knows this. I hope the Judge reads this email and sends Barnet and their expensive QC (paid for by you, me and Mr Attfield) packing.
It never ceases to amaze me, just how low Barnet Council is sinking. First Brian Coleman launches a campaign of Brownesque daylight robbery, in the form of Stealth Taxes and then the Council go to war with law abiding residents. It really makes me sick.
Read the full story here, I'm off to throw up -
http://barnetcpz.blogspot.com/2011/05/barnet-council-finally-respond-and.html
I have one message for Brian "Gordon Brown" Coleman - Your number is up mate. You have been exposed. You are a typical slimy toad of a politician, who will clobber anyone for taxes, if you think you can get away with it.
Frugal Mr Mustard went to the London Borough of Sutton to meet a friend ( half way between us ) and was carefully early so that he could park just outside the zone and walk in to the High Street. As he walked ( exercise is good for you and saves money - spent on a better glass of wine ! ) through the zone he passed several free bays so Brian Coleman's leaked email is utter tosh.
ReplyDeleteCould you help me, please, make contact FAST with someone about Thursday night's meeting? I'd like to help get people there.
ReplyDelete