All change as council chiefs look set to give thumbs-up to all new ‘easyCouncil’ future

Thursday, 22 October 2009

By Nick Griffin

COUNCIL chiefs were last night poised to approve a fundamental shake up of the way the authority is run.

Proposals tabled before Barnet’s cabinet set out plans which could see services farmed out to private companies, the number of back office staff cut and residents given more say in how money should be spent.

The controversial Future Shape of the Council plans have been dubbed “easyCouncil” as the authority looks to no-frills airlines such as easyJet as business models which trim away excess cost.

Council chiefs said they were looking to make savings and improve services in response to shortfalls in government grants and rising costs involved in adult social care and waste clearance.

Council leader Mike Freer said money was being wasted, citing the example of one resident who was contacted 37 times about the same problem.

Mr Freer said: “The first part of this is a relentless drive for back office efficiencies – which is what we have been doing for the past six years – and the second part is about involving residents far more in decision making.

“We have an ageing population and an increasing number of under fives and the strain on budgets is huge.

“We’ve looked to organisations like Easyjet because their models allow them to provide the same service for a lower price. Frankly, I don’t mind who provides a service as long as we are providing the best possible services at the best possible price.

“We could say to residents if you’re able to up your recycling rate from 40 to 70 per cent and you are saving the borough £200 in landfill tax, we will give you £100 back.

“In terms of adult social care we might, for the sake of argument, be spending £500 per week on someone’s care. But a resident might say they don’t need someone to help do their shopping but would quite like someone to help with the gardening.

“Why shouldn’t the residents have that choice? It’s their money.”

But the plans have been met with scepticism by union representatives.

John Burgess, branch secretary for Barnet Unison, which represents about 2,000 members, said: “This is inevitably going to have an effect on morale.

“What we are asking for is an agreement which states that if staff
are transferred they will keep the same pay and conditions.

“But at the moment, there just isn’t enough detail.”

Email: nick.griffin@nlhnews.co.uk

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