Nobody told us the idea

Jan 29 2008 by Barry Gibson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A TOP councillor has slammed Government plans to let residents’ claim back money from Kirklees as a “gimmick”.

Council leader Clr Robert Light has revealed that Kirklees Council wasn’t consulted on the idea – even though the Government named it as one of the pilot areas.

Last Tuesday Communities Secretary Hazel Blears outlined plans for community contracts between councils and residents.

People could claim council tax refunds of up to £100 if services like bin collection and street cleaning were not up to standard.

Ms Blears named Kirklees as one of 12 councils where the scheme would be trialled.

But this was news to Clr Light.

He said: “As far as I am aware this has not been discussed in any detail whatsoever with the council. It is not part of approved Government legislation and it has not been through Parliament.

“I’m annoyed that Hazel Blears has chosen Kirklees for this rabbit- out-of-a-hat gimmick.”

Clr Light said drawing up the contracts could be difficult.

He said: “On the face of it I think it is a bureaucratic nightmare that will see a lot of officer time spent on red tape procedures for little or no result.

“This will add to the administrative workload of staff and divert them away from the positive work they do providing the best services possible to our residents.

“I want to reduce bureaucracy, not increase it, so that we can spend as much of our money as possible on providing services directly to our residents.”

Clr Light revealed that Kirklees may well decide not to take part in the plan.

He said: “I have asked for an early report to the council’s Cabinet on the implications of this idea, and whether it will add to what we do already.

“I have to be convinced that there is any merit at all in Kirklees using valuable time, money and staff resources going down this road.”

Clr Light added that the council was already doing its best for residents.

He said: “We were recently acclaimed by the independent watchdog the Audit Commission as being among the best in the country for our performance in services provided to local people.

“I am all in favour of councils and councillors being accountable to local people, and for local residents to have the maximum involvement in how services are provided in their communities.”

The other 11 councils earmarked to test community contracts are Oldham, Barnsley, Sunderland, Gateshead, Blyth, Lewisham, King’s Lynn, Brighton, Manton, Kidderminster and London’s South Bank.