Stupid is as stupid does

Ever wondered how you can get ten grand for doing nothing? If you saw an email saying you could earn ten grand for three hours a year work,what would you think? Well there is just such an opportunity coming up. It is called being elected as a Barnet Councillor. That is how much dosh they get and all they need to do for the cash is turn up for two meetings a year. Now as an election is coming up lots of them will be knocking on your door. Aask them what theyve done to justify their 40 grand bung.Ask if they read the One Barnet contract before it was signed. Ask them if they voted to abolish pay and display? Ask them if they realised Barnet Council would be giving Capita Plc a 16 mill bung as part of the one Barnet contract to pay for investment in Capita systems.Ask how they voted when the council cabinetvoted themselves a 50% payrise just after the last election. And then ask them why you should vote for them.. Just remember 'stupid is as stupid does'.

The seven deadly sins of the Barnet Conservatives

In May 2010, the people of the London Borough of Barnet elected a Conservative administration. Many things have happened since then. I was recently asked whether I thought they deserved reelection. I said no and when asked why, I said "They have committed seven deadly sins which should convince any sensible person that they were unelectable".

The Barnet Eye believes that this administration is guilty of all these sins, in a way that is detrimental to every citizen of Barnet.

Gluttony - Allowance hike
Wrath - Pay and display parking fiasco
Lust - Metpro fiasco
Envy - Cuts to disabled services
Pride - CPZ Parking hike cock up
Greed - 20p Tax cut paid for with stealth tax & huge council debt
Sloth - Outsourcing and ruining services

To elaborate

1. Allowance hike. The first action of the Conservative cabinet on regaining the council in 2010 was to vote through a huge payrise for themselves. This was completely immoral and unjustified. It blew a hole in the idea that we are all in it together. The one Tory who opposed the policy, Kate Salinger was ritually stripped of all responsibility in a public humiliation. This is a prime example of the sin of gluttony and the need of the administration to trouser as much dosh as possible.

2. Pay and Display parking fiasco. Barnet Tories abolished pay and display parking overnight, with no consultation. This wrought havoc on local high streets forcing many small businesses (ironically many owned by Tory voting small businessmen) out of business. Pay by phone was imposed with scant regards to the needs of local people. There was a huge backlash in 2012 with the electorate kicking out Brian Coleman, the Tory GLA rep and architect of the policy. As a result there has been a limited amount of back tracking, with credit card operated machines being brought back for pay and display. The cock up is estimated as costing the council £1.5 million. Wrath - This wrathful policy of Brian Coleman, laid waste to the High Streets which he seemingly despised.

3. The Metpro fiasco. Local bloggers uncovered the Metpro scandal, where a firm with the council contract for security did not have proper licences and were charged with looking after vulnerable people in council care. The council revealed that it had paid invoices that illegally didn't have proper VAT details. Bloggers called for an independent inquiry. We got a cover up. It did however emerge that Metpro had been paid 30% over the going rate. The Metpro Scandal was caused by the lustful desires of senior councillors to have a "Sexy" security service. Metpro staff used intimidating black unifroms, complete with pepper sprays, High powered vehicles, dressed up to look like pseudo police cars and large men with snarling attitudes to deal with members of the public. Councillors looked on with smug satisfaction as Metpro barked orders at members of the public.

4. Cuts to disabled services. Whilst the Tories had no problem putting up their own allowances, they have taken a different view with savage cuts to the adult social care budget. Disabled people have lost transport services, access to day centres and in some cases brutal cuts to their care packages. Sadly those without voice are the first to be targetted in uncaring Barnet. The cuts to disabled services were born in the politics of envy of the Barnet Tory party. There is a disgusting view that the disabled get "something for nothing" because they are not in a position to pay in.  They are viewed by ruling Tories as a privileged class, to be attacked and forced to the margins. When Brian Coleman was part of the Tory Cabinet, he referred to "These People" and asked why they were entitled to "special treatment" with regards to travel.

5.CPZ Parking hike cock up. The council imposed a huge increase in pay and display charges in 2011. The CPZ campaign lead by David Attfield launched a judicial challenge and had the policy struck out as illegal. All residents of CPZ areas are entitled to a full refund. This has blown a huge hole in the council budget. Despite acting illegally, the council required people to apply for the money they'd illegally asked for. Thousands of residents still haven't got their own cash back. The CPZ case was a prime example of the dangers of Pride in local politicians. It was clear to everyone that David Attfield was right and the Tories were wrong. Rather than simply backing down, they went to court and lost. This cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of legal fees.


6. The Tories flagship policy is to cut average council tax bills by 3p a day. At the same time they have run up huge debts, as shown by the councils own accounts. They have imposed stealth taxes such as the parking charge hike and burial charges to fund the insignificant cut in tax. They are also launching further assaults on the care packages of local disabled people. Is it a moral policy to rob the well off to kick the most vulnerable? This 3p a day is an absurd attempt to bribe the electorate into re--electing them. I hope this greedy ploy will fail.

7. The council has handed over huge swathes of service provision to companies such as Capita. They now run everything from Cemetaries to Call Centres, with a brief to maximise profits. Earlier this week, we showed how the councils own papers show that services such as provision of services to underperforming school age children have been thrown into chaos by these ideolgical outsourcing schemes. Sloth - Barnet Council Leader, Richard Cornelius admitted he hadn't even read the huge One Barnet contracts prior to signing them. None of the cabinet did (or said they did). They are guilty of SLOTH on a grand scale.

These are the seven deadly sins of the Barnet Tories. I have yet to meet anyone who can justify any of these policies. Some Tories say "We need to outsource to save money and improve services. The Your Choice Barnet experience shows that services are ruined and then extra charges, not in the business case are heaped on the taxpayer. Barnet Council have a track record of failing to manage contractors. All of the savings they claim in business cases are pie in the sky. They've never allowed an independent audit of their figures and all inconvenient costs are simply ignored (such as the tens of millions spent on consultants). The Tories attack dog supporters claim all opposition is run by Trades Unionists simply seeking to protect their pay packets.They ignore the fact that I have never belonged to a Trades Union and I run my own business. Unlike many Barnet Tories, I can read a balance sheet, I know how to run a company and I understand the need to manage contractors effectively. My opposition is purely based on being a Barnet resident who cares about our Borough and doesn't want to see it ruined by incompetent buffoons.  The Leader of the Council signed contracts for hundreds of millions of pounds worth of business, without even reading them. Perhaps the most perverse thing Barnet did, was at a time when they needed a strong legal department, to manage contracts, they outsourced legal to Harrow Council, who use Capita for service provision. There are many reasons why the Barnet Tories need to be replaced in the Town Hall. If any knock on your door ask them about there seven deadly sins and ask how they can claim to be competent, when they've made so many cock ups.

The Saturday list #59 - My favourite ever Cafes in the London Borough of Barnet

For those of you who know me well, you'll know I like a nice big tasty full English Breakfast. I was pondering my favourite ever cafes this morning as I tucked into the lovely vegetarian fry up my beloved cooked up for me ((which was very tasty I might add).

1. Cafe Buzz, North Finchley (Quality full English from the Lovely Helen)
2. Betta Cafe, Burnt Oak (Sadly closed) (Cup of tea and a bacon Sarnie before school in the late 1970's)
3. Cafe Anglais, Colindale - (A great weekend treat, Kippers, toast and tea)
4. Buzby's, Apex Corner, Mill Hill - (I do love their Shepard's pie and chips)
5. Hudsons, Mill Hill Broadway - (Lovely Sausage Sarnie)
6. The Big Chef, East Finchley - (Spiffing full English)
7. Sid's Cafe  - Mill Hill Broadway (closed 1970 - A special treat with my Dad)
8. The Old Forge Tea Rooms, Highwood Hill, Mill Hill (Closed 1970'ish, great cup of tea and cake)
9. The Blue Zone Cafe, The Green Man, Edgware/Mill Hill Borders  (omlettes - not that I eat them these days)

So that is my list. What is your list?

Proof Brian Coleman agreed to appear at Friern Barnet with Helen Michael tonight ** Updated Sat 11.55

Just in case you were tempted to believe Brian Colemans statements that he never agreed to appear at the Question time at Friern Barnet this evening, here is the exchange of emails that prooves yet again Mr Coleman is duplicitous liar.

Read hear how Brian Coleman told the Barnet Times how he'd rather gouge his own eyes out than hold a debate with Helen Michael - http://www.times-series.co.uk/news/11005604.Coleman_angrily_denies_debate_appearance/ - sadly for Brian, he'd actually emailed the organiser Keith Martin and the woman he assualted, Helen Michael to confirm he'd appear if she dropped a lawsuit for defamation. Sadly, yet again Mr Coleman has been exposed.

From: "Coleman, Cllr Brian" <Cllr.B.Coleman@barnet.gov.uk>
Date: 4 February 2014 18:28:53 GMT
To:  Keith Martin
Cc:  Helen Michael
Subject: Re: Any Questions at Friern Barnet Community Library

I am free on either and I assume this means her threat of legal action is now withdrawn ?

Kind regards

From: Keith Martin
To: Coleman, Cllr Brian
Cc: Helen Michael
Sent: Tue Feb 04 09:27:16 2014
Subject: RE: Any Questions at Friern Barnet Community Library

Dear Brian

Thank you for your message. I have spoken to Helen, and should like you both to be on the ANY QUESTIONS?  panel at Friern Barnet Community Library at 7.30pm on either

Friday 21 March 2014 or

Friday 11 April 2014.

The Chair will be Barbara Jacobson.

There are no restrictions on questions from the public, and the only constraint on panellists and the floor is to refrain from making libellous statements.

Brian

Please would you let me know as soon as you can which of the two dates is your preference. Helen and Barbara can make either.

Best wishes

Keith

From: Coleman, Cllr Brian [mailto:Cllr.B.Coleman@barnet.gov.uk]
Sent: 06 January 2014 09:39
To: Keith Martin
Cc: Helen Michael
Subject: Re: Any Questions at Friern Barnet Community Library

If Helen cares to confirm that then fine

From: Keith Martin
To: Coleman, Cllr Brian
Cc: Helen Michael
Sent: Mon Jan 06 09:33:07 2014
Subject: Any Questions at Friern Barnet Community Library

Dear Brian

I realize that you asked to be removed from my e-mail list, but I hope you will excuse my writing nonetheless.

As you will see from the attached flyer, Friern Barnet Community Library is running a monthly fundraising ANY QUESTIONS? on the third Friday of the month (except April) during 2014.

I had hoped to include on a panel Helen Michael and yourself, and Helen has asked me to invite you once more, with the message that she is prepared to consider dropping proceedings against you if you will join a panel at the library with her.

Do please let me know if you are willing to do so and, if so, which third Friday (the April one is April 11 to avoid Good Friday) suits you best, between March and December. If you can give two alternatives, so much the better.

Happy New Year!

Keith

Just to emphasise how trustworthy Mr Coleman is, you may find his tweets about these emails this morning rather interesting. You've read the emails, draw your won conclusions. The phrase hoisted by his own petard seems to come to mind

1. Helen Michael ‏@BuzzingHelen  20h

   We're having a fund raiser tonight at Friern Barnet library. @BrianTotteridge Brian said he would come but surprise surprise dropped out.

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2. Brian Coleman ‏@BrianTotteridge  20h

   @BuzzingHelen I have not pulled out because nothing was ever agreed

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3. Helen Michael ‏@BuzzingHelen  20h

   @BrianTotteridge I shall publish the letter that you wrote agreeing

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4. Brian Coleman ‏@BrianTotteridge  20h

   @BuzzingHelen look forward to seeing it !

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5. Rog T ‏@Barneteye  17h

   @BrianTotteridge @BuzzingHelen Here is the email which proves youve been telling pork pies http://barneteye.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/proof-brian-coleman-agreed-to-appear-at.html …

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Brian Coleman‏@BrianTotteridge

@Barneteye @BuzzingHelen does not prove anything of the sort

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Come up to Friern Barnet Library tonight at 7.30 & meet the Barnet Eye !

Tonight I am on the panel at Friern Barnet Library at 7:30 tonight, for question time. The other panel members are Labour Councillor Kath McGuirk and Parking campiagner Helen Michael. I had originally only agreed to appear on the panel if a Conservative representative appeared. I felt there was no point in having a sterile debate. The organisers have failed to secure a single Barnet Tory who is prepared to face the Barnet Eye (or possibly Kath/Helen). As there are 36 councillors and 3 MPs, it is clear that not all of them have other arrangements. This means only one of two things. Either they are not prepared to discuss their record in office with people who have watched what they've done because they are embarrassed, or they are to intimidated by my withering intelligence (joke).

So why did I change mymind. The Tories have been in power for 12 years in the council. We don't need a Tory to explain what they would do. They have a record to discuss. If they are not prepared to come and justify what they've done, then it must mean they think it is unjustifiable and agree with my criticisms. So why are they standing? For most of them I believe it is because they get a minimum (often much more) of £10,000 from the taxpayer as a bung. All they have to do to get the cash is turn up for 2 meetings a year. This sum is more than many people get for doing a full time job for a year.

Please come along tonight. Kath and Helen are great, feisty characters and have a lot to say. We may not have a Barnet Conservative, but we have their record which is more important. It would also be great to have questions on other issues and if there is something you want raising on this blog, you can tell me. It is always nice to meet readers.

The Friday Joke - 21/3/2014

David Beckham gets into a taxi and he sees the driver looking at him in the rear view mirror.

After about 5 minutes the driver says, "OK give me a clue?"

Beckham says, "I had a glittering career at Manchester United, played in America and got over a 100 caps for England, is that enough?"

Driver replies, "No you silly sod, where do you want to go?"

-------------- Have a nice weekend -------------

How much does it cost to buy your vote?

The central plank of the Barnet Conservatives election strategy is a cut in council tax. To the average taxpayer in Barnet this is worth 3p a day This has been paid for with draconian enforcement of parking restrictions and huge cuts to provision of care to the disabled. My question to you is this. Are you happy throwing the disabled of Barnet to the wolves for 3p a day? Ifyou are then dont ask me for any sympathy when you get a parking ticket.

Question time at Friern Barnet library this Friday with the Barnet Eye

@friernbarnetlib panel debate this Friday from 7:30 pm (21 March). £5 entry. Our panel includes: @redkaff, @buzzinghelen and Rog T @barneteye.Come along and say hi. It should be a good night. Your chance to throw a few tomatoes at me and oggle the lovely Kath McGuirk and Helen Michael.. You can also ask us a few questions.And before any humourless gits out there call me Sid the Sexist for that comment, as well as being far prettier than me they are both far more intelligent and unlike me may havve something sensible and interesting to say

The immorality of Councillor allowances in Barnet

There is an election for councillors in Barnet in May. There are 63 council seats in 21 wards up for grabs. In Barnet we currently have councillors of all descriptions, the good, the bad and the extremely ugly. They all have one thing in common. They get an allowance of £10,000 for the job (some get much, much more if they are in the cabinet or committee chairmen). For this they are required simply to turn up to 2 council meetings a year. That is all. Now many of them do far more, some work their socks off for their communities, but some don't. Some do sweet FA for their ten grand. How many jobs are there where you simply get a bung and have to turn up twice a year? Now many argue that it is up to the electorate to decide if a councillor is a lazy, no good for nothing. The trouble is, most residents don't realise how much councillors are paid and how little some of them do. My view is that all councillors should have their full voting records and details of attendence listed on their profile on the council website. If people don't care, then that is up to them, but if they want councillors to do more than turn up twice a year, then they should be able to find the information in an easy manner. When I stood for council last time, many residents didn't even realise councillors got a penny and thought they did it out of the goodness of their hearts. They don't

Barnet Council underspends £150,000 on agreed programs for NEET youngsters

Ok, first a rant. What do you do on your Sunday Evening? Well I do a weekly trawl through council papers, to see what things our council are up to that You and I should be informed of. I do this because although there are 63 councillors getting paid a MINIMUM of £10,000 a year to do this, most can't be bothered. They just see the cash as a nice bung. I like to think that the reason so many people read this blog is because they want to challenge these lazy B*st*rds when they knock on the door and ask for a vote as to what they've been doing for this cash. Give them hell. All of them. This is the one time in the next four years that they have to pretend to care. Rant over.

Doing my usual weekly trawl through council papers, I came across this document

http://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s13554/Barnet%20Platforms%20Programme.pdf

In it I found this statement

Figures taken from the IYS Management Report October 2013 show  that 49.2% of those classified as NEETs in Barnet have been unemployed between 6 months and 2 years, 39.1% of current were  ‘white British’ – an overrepresentation in the 16-19 cohort as a whole,  of particular concern are the 7.8% of the NEET cohort were not ready / willing to work or learn. 

So the first thing we learn is that Barnet Council is letting down working class families who have a long association with Barnet. Then I learned this

In June 2012, Cabinet agreed £1m of Council ‘Service Priorities’ funds to support the Platforms Programme to be delivered by 31 March 2013. Platforms provides employment and training support for Barnet’s 16-24 year olds who are Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET). 

So the council were planning to spend a  million quid to do something about this (and other issues). That should have been spent by the end of this month. Then we find this out

There could be approximately £150,000 under-spend (as Platforms Phase 2 does not complete until 31 March 2014 this may vary). This is largely due to:

• Payment-by-results projects requiring less funds due to young person leaving project early / lower number of outcomes
• Delays to commissioning the Internship Programme due to the outsourcing of key services and a lengthy procurement exercise
• Business Growth Manager leaving the Council leading to a period of time where the post has been vacant
• Progress on development of Studio School feasibility being dependent on other stakeholders, therefore other transition routes for young people are having to be explored. 

So bullet point 2 tells us that the Councils obsession with outsourcing is directly affecting the most vulnerable youngsters in Barnet. Not only that but bullet point one tells us that the youngsters are leaving schemes early. This indicates to me that they are not fit for purpose. I n short, the council has identified a problem, decided to throw money at it and then failed to organise itself. Whilst I suspect that this particular adminstration could organise a rather good booze up in a brewery, they clearly have shown themselves totally incapable of organising schemes to sort out the most serious problem in Barnet today. Namely the problem of ensuring that we have future generations of people who are properly equipped with the skills for living in the modern world. Failure to spend this money means that people who's lives desperately need turning around are being failed. You may not care about them. You may be totally selfish. Let me appeal to this part of you. What do you think happens when Young people fail in education and training and become unemployable? A proportion will either rely on the State or proceeds of crime. Either way you pay, in your taxes or by the stress of victimhood. You may stick your fingers in your ears, shout "la la la" and say "it isn't my problem.

If you believe this, you are deluded. In a 1968 song by Country Joe and the Fish, there is a line that says "If you won't go to Harlem, then Harlem may just come to you". This was a comment on the problems of the then depriced area of Manhatten. Two years ago I worked with a film director to make a film called "A Tale of Two Barnets" highlighting the differences between the people who are running the council and the people who rely on its services. The truth is that the council is damned by its own papers. Outsourcing, a key council policy, is now being blamed for the failure of initiatives. The Conservative administration claimed this would solve all the ills in Barnet, but their own papers betray this lie. So when your house gets burgled, or your kids start buying crack off disenfranchised gang members on street corners, you know why. It is because the London Borough of Barnet was simply too badly organised to do anything to help those kids turn their lives around. And whatever you think of me or the Barnet Eye blog, you can't argue with this conclusion, because it is there in black and white on the website of our local Conservative Council.