24 March 2008 – A MESSAGE TO COUNCILLORS 

Members of HALL are feeling that they are peeling the proverbial onion. 

Residents of Kirk Road report that they have recently met Council Officials who were adamant that nothing could be done as there was no money for changes.  But after a long discussion ended up by saying that something would need to be done about the flooding in Kirk Road.  (see Drain problems at Kirk Road)

It was agreed that the plan proposed by HALL was the answer.  But the Council said that they couldn’t connect directly to the Burn through peoples’ property. (Why not?)  The work would be done in 2 phases.  The first phase would cure the flooding from Kilmalcolm Road (maybe in the next two years because there was no budget at present).  Phase two would be to reroute the drain from under Burnside Cottage to a new connection with Houston Burn. 

So after much persistence by residents and help from HALL we discover that the Council Officers have been prevaricating at best with council tax payers who have a legitimate complaint and are suffering inconvenience they should not be expected to. 

Robert Naylor in his letter to the Chair of the Gryffe High School Parents’ Council gives the game away.  He concludes, “the council budget is now set and it’s the responsibility of council officers to implement it”.  This echoes the Director of Finance’s statement to the Council on 14 February 2008, “Directors are expected to manage their approved budgets on a bottom line basis in accordance with Financial Regulations” 

All the issues that HALL has become involved in arise from budget pressures.  As well as teacher reductions and Kirk Road, Environmental Services won’t clean up the mess left by overflowing sewers and the Roads Department cannot reduce the amount of storm water being carried by the Main Sewer, because no expenditure is budgeted.  Manse Crescent has to be sold for residential development because it is budgeted.  

Any successful business man will tell you that this blunt instrument approach to budget control doesn’t work – it will lead to decline and crisis.  The onion is being used as part of a recipe for disaster not success. 

HALL believes that it is this inflexible bottom line approach which is causing the confusion about the Manse Crescent site.  The budget was set before the development proposal was tested by the planning system.  The budget culture demands that the development plan is explained to meet the applicant's proposals.  Hence the need for negotiation.  There can be no better example of why the culture is wrong and in crisis.  Crisis demands change.

What does it take to make Councillors realise that Renfrewshire is in crisis?  When will they become proactive and take control?  After all the Director of Finance also stated in his report to Council:  “Members are expected to bring forward proposals to secure a balanced budget”. He’s clearly saying that the Members are responsible for what is happening – despite Directors being under strict instructions not to overspend. 

The Council has adopted a coporate style of management with Executive Directors reporting to Boards.  Who is responsible?  Are the Board Members there just to advise the Executive or are they there to set policy, draw up budgets and instigate targets?  If they are to set the controls, are they to reflect the council tax payers wishes, or does the council tax payer have no say?

The confusion over who is responsible is why it takes 6 weeks for Environmental Services to even visit the site of overflowing sewers despite complaints from Councillors.  And, when they do, they try to hide behind SEPA.  What can be more frustrating for Councillors than to make promises to get Environmental Services involved in a matter of danger to public health and to be completely and utterly ignored?  Officers must feel secure behind the shield the budget gives them.

Since HALL has become active we realise that dissent is not welcome.  Do you know that David Martin hasn’t even acknowledged our offer to become part of the Local Area Committee?  He may not like us – but he is making a mistake to believe that we have nothing to contribute.  Over 50 people a day visit our web-site now - they must think we do. 

A local SNP Councillor offered to set up a meeting between HALL and the Leader – no response.   Why not?

What can be done? 

HALL makes some suggestions: 

• Lobby the Scottish Government for additional funds to improve storm water drainage and reduce the burden on the Main Sewer – it’s the same problem as that causing flooding in England and Wales;

• Form local partnerships with communities, community bodies and business to attract new investment and grant funding into areas like Gryffe Valley; 

• Make greater use of PPP and PFI – whilst not ideal it is proven; do not wait for SNP’s new ideas;

• Attract more private investment into shared ownership affordable housing – cut out the developers’ profits, don’t make it easier for house builders to lobby and cherry pick attractive sites.

• Be more creative with Bishopton and Inchinnan/Airport and impose development taxes to invest elsewhere;

• Improve public transport links into Gryffe Valley and connect to an accelerated  Airport Link;

• Be more tourist friendly – make the Gryffe Valley a stopping off point not a gateway to pass through quickly;

• Regenerate the centre of Paisley with a more affordable residential and balanced retail direction;

• Press and give incentives to BAA to make Glasgow Scotland’s number one airport;

• Give more power back to Members, cut bureaucracy, create a lean administration – at some time in the future cuts will have to be made to staff numbers;

•  Only go ahead with Local Area Committees if they can influence change;

• Identify the priorities which are essential to a better future;

• Learn from other Councils’ successes;

• Stop insulting the public by trying to make them feel that they are to blame – provide them with the best possible service they can afford.  Involve them, inform them and consult with them.