tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215006984353817373.post3460827500726725903..comments2024-03-29T00:09:28.302+00:00Comments on 99% is ....... The Barnet Eye: Nick Walkley and what any Council planning mass outsourcing should considerRog Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08139705078907584931noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215006984353817373.post-48118420808497264152012-02-02T12:57:05.452+00:002012-02-02T12:57:05.452+00:00Mrs A: I was pointing out that we seem to be able ...Mrs A: I was pointing out that we seem to be able to accuse <i>individuals</i> of operating a "scam", and (whether true or not) the word is now only at the level of "common abuse", and not libellous (in as much as a libel case would fail).<br /><br />For instance, if I were to say that in the London Borough of Walford, that receiving a four-figure sum for merely chairing a couple of committee meetings a year was a nice little scam, then that would be quite acceptable comment.<br /><br />By the way, I see that Simon Hoggart explains what you can say in Parliament. So "hypocrite" or "liar" is not allowed. However, "ridiculous, smug, self-promoting, asinine, weaselly, pompous, preening, fatheaded <i>(except to Eric Pickles)</i>, drooling pillock" is absolutely fine.<br /><br />Perhaps you, Mr M, and the Bugle can try some of those words, next time you are in the public gallery in the Town Hall.baarnetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301292285255035403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215006984353817373.post-34342625623827632862012-02-02T01:26:23.101+00:002012-02-02T01:26:23.101+00:00to be fair, baarnett, the words scam and One Barne...to be fair, baarnett, the words scam and One Barnet are always paired together in my blog ... I don't know where this marvellous Tory authority is Rog is writing about - but doesn't it sound lovely? And I'm up for the consultancy er scam to whoever, whenever. No PAYE, no packdrill.Mrs Angryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00586223909475832791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9215006984353817373.post-86578449106955081102012-02-01T23:07:41.525+00:002012-02-01T23:07:41.525+00:00Newsnight has just reported about the tax-efficien...Newsnight has just reported about the tax-efficient "scam" organised by the boss of the Student Loans Company.<br /><br />("Scam" was the word used by the leader of the NUS, and by Richard Bacon MP, of the Public Accounts Committee.)<br /><br />Can we think of any other public authority that organises payments to senior public-sector officers in this way?<br /><br />If so, Richard, a fine Conservative politician who wants to see transparency in the public realm, says he wants to hear from you: <a href="http://www.richardbacon.org.uk/contact/default.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.richardbacon.org.uk/contact/default.htm</a><br /><br />As a side-issue, I find it welcome that the word "scam" has been "detoxified" like this. I think we should use the word more widely now, where appropriate. Perhaps it is a bit like "Private Eye", many years ago, calling journalists "hacks" (when appropriate), and that got into everyday speech. Let "scam" do the same thing.baarnetthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12301292285255035403noreply@blogger.com