Brent Council budget 'coup' an affront to democracy?

In a posting prior to Monday's Cabinet meeting LINK I drew attaention to the possible decision by the Cabinet to freeze the Council's Revenue Support Grant (RSG) until 2019/20 which would mean setting out an 'efficiency' plan for Council expenditure over the next four years to be submitted to the Department for Communities and Local Government. Due to the timing of Cabinet and Council and government deadlines the Officers' report recommended that these decisions, as well as one on Council borrowing, would not be made by Cabinet or Full Council but by one councillor and one officer in each case.

I wrote:

It is not only the decision in principle that has to be made by Butt and Downs but an 'efficiency plan' submitted that will dictate the level of savings (cuts, 'efficiencies' and income generation) over the next four years.

These are major decisions and I do not understand why the Cabinet cannot convene a special meeting before the deadline to consider Downs' proposal and efficiency plan. The wider Labour Group as well as the opposition seem to have been left out of the process completely but their hands will be tied for the next four years by these decisions.

Put simply the main parameters of the Council's budget decisions will not be made by the Cabinet, Labour Group or Full Council - and certainly not discussed by Labour Party members.  Within that of course there is also the setting of the level of Council Tax.

When these matters come up for debate over the next four years any decisions will have to conform to the efficiency plan.

Given the clear difficulty the Council is already having in delivering 'efficient' services as a result of funding cuts the 'efficiency' plan needs intense scrutiny.

Instead it will be compiled by  Carolyn Downs, Brent Council CEO and Muhammed Butt, Leader o the Coucnil,  and submitted by them before the government deadline. Additionally the Cabinet agreed to delegate the appointment of specialist fianncial advisers to Conrad Hall, the Brent Chief Finance Officer and Cllr Margaret McLennan, Deputy Leader.

The Cabinet Decision sheet records:

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RESOLVED: 2019/20 and option to fix RSG settlements

Cabinet noted the overall financial position and the risks inherent in it.

Cabinet noted the overall arguments for and against accepting a fixed settlement of its RSG until 2019/20, and that on balance the advice is in favour of accepting it.

Cabinet delegated to the Chief Executive and Leader authority to decide whether or not to accept the fixed RSG settlement.

Cabinet delegated to the Chief Executive and Leader authority to submit an efficiency plan to DCLG as part of any decision to accept a fixed RSG settlement.

Cabinet noted the position in particular in respect of business rates devolution and how this might progress, and that the chief finance officer will continue to respond to technical consultations as necessary.

Cabinet noted the progress in developing a financing programme for the investment strategy. 


Cabinet agreed to delegate procurement and appointment of specialist financial advisers to assist in the financing of the investment strategy to the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Deputy Leader

In the light of these issues Cllr John Warren (Leader of Brent Conservative Group) has submitted a request calling for an Extraordinary Full Council meeting to discuss the Efficiency Plan before its submission.

Although his motivation may be to achieve further 'efficiencies' (cuts) and I would strongly disagree with that, the need for democratic decision making and accountability is essential and I think should be shared by Labour backbenchers.

This is Warren's  request:

Mr.Mayor,

I ask that the following item be included as " Any Other Urgent Business " at the meeting on Monday September 19th 2016


Full Council is asked to consider the Cabinet recommendations, noted below made at its meeting on 13 September 2016 in the report " Financial Position 2017/18- 2019/20 and option to fix RSG settlement " by holding an Extraordinary Council Meeting on Thursday 13 October 2016.

       2.3. That Cabinet delegates to the Chief Executive and Leader authority to decide whether or not to accept the fixed RSG settlement.

       2.4.That Cabinet delegates to the Chief Executive and Leader authority to submit an efficiency plan to DCLG as part of any decision to accept a fixed RSG settlement.

REASON FOR REQUEST.....

Every year Full Council considers the annual budget, in detail ,at a special meeting called for  that purpose.

I believe that the Cabinet recommendations, detailed above, are an important part of this budget process .

I believe that Full Council should consider the issue of fixing RSG up until 2019/20,along with consideration of the efficiency plan attached to this deal.

The deadline for submission to DCLG is 14 October 2016  - hence the meeting on the 13 October 2016 will enable Full Council to debate fully these issues with up - to - date information.
      

 
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The Labour purge is become absurd - and poisonous

I have not got involved in the internal battle in the Labour Party but speaking to friends during the Refugees Welcome demonstration today, and reading some posts on Facebook this evening, I am actually quite shocked and upset about what is going on.

Today Alan Gibbons, the author, wrote on Facebook that his daughter had been expelled from the Labpur Party retweeting the Green Party's message of support for the NUT strike - she is a teacher. A further reason was that she had shared that Green Party Political Broadcast (which I personally did not like) featuring children as politicians.  She cannot re-apply for membership for 5 years.

I wrote a message of solidarity on Alan's Facebook page about the expulsion:

This is beyond ridiculous. Solidarity from a Green Party member who believes that there are overlaps between Labour Left and Green Left where we can work together for the benefit of the wider movement. Today on the Refugees Welcome March I spoke with, and walked with, many Labour Party comrades as well as Greens. Beneath the jokes about being photographed walking with the Greens there was also something more worrying - a recognition that despite it seeming absurd, that this really could be used against them. Poisonous.

 Harrow West CLP recently passed this resolution for the upcoming Labour Party Conference:

For a democratic pluralist Labour Party

Conference notes in late August expulsions and suspensions rose significantly. At time of writing the number is unknown, but on 20th August the Daily Telegraph reported "thousands of labour members....could be suspended or expelled".

This included many long standing members, among them, Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union general secretary Ronnie Draper; this suspension has now been lifted after a timely hearing, something denied thousands of ordinary party members.

We believe we should ensure our rules are carried out in a spirit consistent with a democratic culture. As the Chakrabarti report argues, "the Labour Party should seek to uphold the strongest principles of natural justice", "due process" and "proportionality".

Expulsions and suspensions must not be used as a factional weapon by members. Accusations must be in writing and must be evidenced by named witnesses. A hearing must take place before any sanction is imposed. There must be an appeals system for all suspensions and expulsions.

Anyone willing to genuinely support labour should be welcome, subject to our rules. Previous political activity should be of no relevance; neither should membership or support of labour supporting socialist organisations or currents. Deal with differences politically; discussion not expulsion.

Conference resolves:

• to call on all party officials and bodies to act in the spirit of democracy and plurality
• to call on the NEC to carry out Chakrabarti reports recommendations
• All those expelled or suspended who have been denied an appeal should be given one

Brent Council answers Full Council Meeting questions from the public

Questions from the public will ne answered for the first time at the Brent Council Meeting tomorrow. The answers have been published in advance in a Supplementary Report which I have posted below.  It also contains answers to questions from Councillors and reports from the two Scrutiny Committees.

Butt welcomes input from Preston on Community Library Strategy

Titus Bear from Barham Community Library visits Preston Library

Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, has copied me into his response to Philip Bromberg of Preston Community Library who requested consultation over the development of a Community Library Strategy LINK:

Philip

Many thanks for attending the cabinet meeting and for your contribution along side the other contributions.

I sincerely do want a positive outcome for all and hence the suggestion from myself for a   Community library strategy that doesn't just cover the PCL but any other community library including the good work being done with Kensal and Cricklewood.

There will need to be a concerted effort from all areas especially from the library service and from property as well.

It would be good to have some input from yourself as we move this forward in formulating this policy. Let me and Michael start the discussion with our officers and WWE will get together soon.

Libraries are under the remit of Cllr Pavey with Phil Porter as the Strategic Director and property is under my remit with Althea Loderick as the Strategic Director for Resources, we will need to work together closely to make sure that we get the best outcomes in making sure that organisations that work with us and deliver services such as PCL are recognised.

Philip please don't hesitate to pick the phone up or contact me if you want to discuss things.

Kind Regards
Muhammed

Cllr Muhammed Butt
Leader of Brent Council

Meanwhile the papers for tomorrow's  Full Meeting of the Council contains this question from Cllr Reg Colwill (Leader of the Kenton Conservative Group) and Cllr Michael Pavey's, Lead Member for Stronger Communities and Libraries, reply:

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7. Question to the Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities from Councillor Reg Colwill, Kenton

The residents of the Preston Ward have done a fantastic job in keeping the library active and working to make sure that all the residents have access to books in a very professional manner.

Will the Council now honour what they told the residents that is that they would give them the library to continue their good work?

If yes, the Committee running the library would like to know when.

Preston Community Library have done an absolutely superb job in keeping a library running in extremely difficult circumstances. They have delivered a truly inclusive range of exceptional activities and have brought the whole community together. 

I would make the small point that although many of the Library volunteers are indeed Preston residents, many others live in Barnhill and surrounding wards - they all deserve immense credit.

We plan to redevelop the Preston Library building to provide new housing, however these plans will also incorporate high quality new community space. Cabinet felt that the published report paving the way for this redevelopment did not sufficiently recognise the excellent work of the Preston Community Library, nor did it do enough to pledge ongoing support for that library. 

Consequently Cabinet committed to take three months to work with Preston Community Library, as well as the community libraries in Cricklewood, Kensal Rise and Barham Park, to develop a new Community Library Strategy over and above which the Council has a duty to provide. In addition to broader issues, this strategy will directly address access to the new Preston Library building.

Cabinet has also stated a very clear preference that both the tender process and the rental level for the new community space at the redeveloped building should be clearly weighted towards social value, rather than financial value. 

All four Brent community libraries are extremely important partners of the Brent Library Service. We are grateful for their excellent work and look forward to working with them to develop an exciting new strategy to assist in securing the long term future of each library.

Anonymity: the pros and cons

Further information

 The issue of anonymity has come up for discussion on this blog a number of times and my preferene is for those making a comment to use their real names if possible. However there are circumstances where anonymity has been essential to protect sources and this was particularly so during the Cara Davani controversy, where workers at Brent Council used this blog to reveal what was really going on.

The Autumn issue of  Index on Censorship explores anonymity from pen names to online privacy. This is what they say about the issue:

Anonymity is out of fashion. There are plenty of critics who want it banned on social media. It’s part of a harmful armoury of abuse, they argue. Anonymous trolls send vile verbal attacks to anyone who expresses opinions they disagree with. 

So why do we need anonymity?  Why does it matter? Why don’t we just ban it or make it illegal if it can be used for all these harmful purposes?

“Anonymity is an integral part of our freedom of expression. For many people it is a valuable way of allowing them to speak. It protects from danger, and it allows those who wouldn’t be able to speak or write to get the words out,” Index on Censorship editor Rachael Jolley writes in the magazine. 

The autumn 2016 issue special report looks at the pros and cons of masking identities from the perspective of a variety of players, from online trolls to intelligence agencies, whistleblowers, activists, artists, journalists, bloggers and fixers.

•       Valerie Plame Wilson writes on the damage done when her cover was blown.

•       John Lloyd looks at how terrorist attacks have affected surveillance needs worldwide.

•       Ananya Azad explains why he was forced to leave Bangladesh after violent attacks on secular writers.

•       Julian Baggini looks at the power of literary aliases through the ages.

•       Edward Lucas shares The Economist’s perspective on keeping its writers unnamed.

•       John Crace imagines a meeting at Trolls Anonymous. 

•   Caroline Lees looks at how fixers can be endangered by working with foreign news companies.

Surveillance: The War at Home - Meeting in Brent on Monday

                                                                                             Banksy

 From Brent Stop the War

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19th 7.30 pm
Brent Trades & Labour Hall, 375 High Rd Willesden NW10 2JR
Very close to Willesden Bus Garage and five minutes walk from Dollis Hill station (Jubilee line)

Monitoring activists who oppose government policy - including foreign policy - has long been a practice of the security services and the police. Whole ‘suspect’ communities fall under covert security surveillance activities, which can involve illegal means. In November 2015, current Prime Minister Theresa May, admitted, as Home Secretary, that in fact all British citizens are suspect and the security services have been monitoring e-mail and telephone communications for over a decade LINK.

At our September meeting on Monday, we will be joined by Donal O'Driscoll from the Undercover Research Group and a core participant in the Pitchford Inquiry into Undercover Policing who will talk about the state of play with regards to the public inquiry and introduce some of his group's work on exposing undercover police in protest movements.

Come and find out how you may be affected.

Two new free schools approved in Brent

Justine Greening announced approval for 77 new free schools which includes two in Brent.  Approval is only the first step as sites have to be found and staff and pupils recuited.

The first is the North Brent School which I wrote about HERE

The school is backed by three Brent academies, Claremont, Queens Park and Wembley High. Gil Bal, Executive Head of Wembley High, would head up the new school along with her current duties.

The other  is Avanti Brent School,  where the plan is for an all-through (4 yrs-19ys)  Hindu faith school 'open to all backgrounds'  LINK:

Each of our schools whilst underpinned by the same principals of Educational Excellence, Character Formation and Spiritual Insight will of course be unique and meet local needs. We plan for these schools to have a nursery provision, 2 and 6 forms of entry at Primary & Secondary phases respectively as well as a sixth form.

Finding sites is obviously an issue given previous difficulties.

A new special school sponsored by Woodfield, Manor and Village did have a site in mind LINK but is not on today's list.

A feature of today's list is the rapid expansion of the Reach2 free school chain which has its own dangers.

Support Comprehensive Education - Thursday September 22nd - Fair Education Alliance

From Fair Education Alliance

Join us on Thursday September 22nd  for a gathering to show our collective support for comprehensive education and our opposition to the creation of new grammar schools.

This will be a positive rally that will involve a number of inspirational speakers, a chance to find out what happens next and the opportunity to share any ideas you have to try and win the argument in public and in parliament. It should also be great opportunity to meet others who share your concerns about the Green Paper.

We have an incredible line up of speakers. Confirmed speakers include:

Fiona Millar, Writer and Founder of Local Schools Network
Becky Allen, Director of Education Datalab
Joanne Bartley, Kent parent and chair of Kent Education Network
David Weston, Founder and Chief Executive of the Teacher Development Trust
Laura McInerney, Editor of Schools Week
Melissa Benn, Writer and current Chair of Comprehensive Future
Katrina Black, Regional Director - Europe, Teach For All
Louka Travlos, Impact Strategy, National Citizens Service
Ndidi Okezie, Executive Director – Delivery, Teach First

The event kicks off at 7pm at King Solomon Academy, Penfold St, London NW1 6RX

This event is free but you must sign up for a ticket to secure a place. Please sign up HERE: