Hyper efficiency and Democracy

First posted 20th July 2007 @ 11:06:33

It's a little known fact that town and parish councils are exempt from the capping limits which government set on our rates. This enables them to soar away on heights of grandeur and profligacy. Not all take it, some are conscientious and thrifty, but one town which has learned from the example of waste set by its district council is Skipton.
This little council had as an income up to April 2000 the grand sum of £100,000
It also had 4 staff.
Now in 2007 it needs 10 staff, including the grandiosely styled Chief Officer, and it pays more out in wages than it received in total income those few years ago.
This has meant that it has had to almost quadruple the amount it takes from the pockets of the ratepayer, not least to fund the sickness levels which have increased fivefold in days lost over the last two years.
Many of the councillors at Skipton town are the self same councillors as at Craven District Council, now THERE'S a surprise!

A fine example of democracy in action Skipton town council style was set by the town's new Mayor, Carol Manley.
When they were one councillor short after the elections, they asked for volunteers, and got three.
After voting between two of them was tied, new Mayor Manley used her second vote (which Mayors get) to elect......

Wait for it!


Her husband!