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Free parking permits for Brighton and Hove council staff (From The Argus)
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Free parking permits for Brighton and Hove council staff
3:13pm Thursday 24th May 2012 in News Exclusive By Tim Ridgway, Local government reporter
Hundreds of public servants receive free car park permits which cost ordinary residents up to £1,500 a year.
The Argus can exclusively reveal Brighton and Hove City Council issues about 400 of its workers with free passes.
The local authority is now considering revoking some of the permits, which can be used during week nights and at weekends when staff are not at work, as part of a widespread review to save money.
However, elected councillors, who are also given the option of parking passes to use at two city car park, will be exempt from the review after some claimed they needed them for their duties.
Union representatives claimed it was “double standards” adding the workers save the local authority – and taxpayers’ – money as they use their own cars for work.
But, others have asked how, when the local authority must find tens of millions of pounds of savings in the next few years, public sector staff can continue to receive the “perks”.
Steve Percy, who founded the city-based People’s Parking Protest, said: “I think it’s disgusting.
“We all have to pay for our parking irrespective of who we work for and council staff should be no different.
“If it’s included as a perk then it would have to be taken as part of their salary but that’s not going to wash with anyone.”
But Alex Knutsen, secretary of Brighton and Hove branch of Unison, said: “I believe there are double standards at play.
“We are supportive of any review into the system but officers and elected members need to be aware which workers actually receive these permits.
“There are a number of staff who need their cars for their work.”
Car part permits
A council spokesman said in total 247 staff permits are currently in circulation for the public car parks in London Road, Regency Square and Norton Road, which is opposition Hove Town Hall.
He added there are a further 152 permits for the local authority-owned Kings House car park with even more staff also given short-stay access.
Among those to receive the permits are social workers, home care staff and planning enforcement officers, all of whom unions claim need to travel for their jobs.
However, The Argus understands the local authority believes there are some “commuters” who use the passes while they remain in the same office all day.
Mr Knutsen rejected this view as “absolute nonsense”.
A council spokesman said: “Clearly with parking spaces in the city at a premium, and residents being asked to pay rising charges, we need to be sure that any parking arrangements for staff are seen to be fair.
“Existing allocations were last reviewed in 2005. Subject to talks with unions, changes are expected during the summer. We can’t yet speculate as to how much might be saved – that would be part of the review.”
Councillors have the option to receive either parking permits for Norton Road and The Lanes car parks or a free annual bus pass worth £450. About half of the 54 elected members receive the passes with a council spokesman adding it allowed politicians to “attend meetings, often at unsocial hours”.
The local authority charges residents £1,000 for an annual season ticket in London Road car park.
The fee for Regency Square car park is £1,500 and Hove Town Hall is £750.
An annual ticket for The Lanes, where only councillors receive free permits, is £2,500.
Only one of the 23 Green councillors – leisure cabinet member Geoffrey Bowden – has a parking permit.
The remaining 26 parking passes are taken up by Conservative and Labour councillors.
The Green administration last night said it was looking to discuss the issue of councillor parking permits with other groups in the coming weeks.
Conservative Geoffrey Theobald said: “My understanding of the review is that staff who need vehicles will be able to keep their permits. Councillors are coming from all areas of the city and rushing to meetings.”
Labour group leader Gill Mitchell said: “We want to know more about this review and its purpose. If it is to ensure that passes are being used correctly and not for simply commuting to work, then this will not apply to councillors.”
Comments(59)
D360
says...
3:41pm Thu 24 May 12
The thing I find most offensive in this article is the quote from the founder of the "People's Parking Protest". I wish people with an axe to grind on a single would stop asserting that they speak for the people, just like "Taxpayers alliance", "Big Brother Watch" and other such misinformed deluded folk
Kate234
says...
3:44pm Thu 24 May 12
Earnestly Hemingway
says...
3:44pm Thu 24 May 12
From another point of view, if the company you work for has a car park, why should it not allow its very own employees to park there? If there are a limited number of spaces it always happens that those are issued to senior management first, no matter who the company is and what it is they do.
allykatz
says...
3:57pm Thu 24 May 12
D360 wrote:Maybe not the looney left, misinformed greens and beardy weirdies, but as for hard working, tax paying and concerned citizens I'd say they do.
Excellent standard of proof as usual: "The Argus understands the local authority believes..."
The thing I find most offensive in this article is the quote from the founder of the "People's Parking Protest". I wish people with an axe to grind on a single would stop asserting that they speak for the people, just like "Taxpayers alliance", "Big Brother Watch" and other such misinformed deluded folk
bogs
says...
4:14pm Thu 24 May 12
As do plumbers, builders, sparkys, carpenters. Do they get free permits? No they pay hundreds of pounds. This abuse of Public Money and land (ie the car parks) must stop. Once again, its 'do as we say, not do as we do!' Which council member out there has the courage to stop this?
wole
says...
4:25pm Thu 24 May 12
wole
says...
4:25pm Thu 24 May 12
Goldenwight
says...
4:38pm Thu 24 May 12
"Council Staff required to use their own cars for work are refunded the costs of doing so" doesn't really have much of a ring, though, does it? Shame you can't afford any real journalists, really, because there are good stories to be had around here.
Roundperson
says...
4:55pm Thu 24 May 12
bogs wrote:If you need to use your vehicle for work then generally the employer pays for the parking. If your self employed, you pass the costs on to your customers. I can't see that council employees are any different. If they need their car for work then the council ( ie tax payer ) should pay for the permit. Although, IMHO, the council should review who gets a permit on a more regular basis. And I don't know why any councillor needs one anyway.
"There are a number of staff who need their cars for their work.” As do plumbers, builders, sparkys, carpenters. Do they get free permits? No they pay hundreds of pounds. This abuse of Public Money and land (ie the car parks) must stop. Once again, its 'do as we say, not do as we do!' Which council member out there has the courage to stop this?
kopite_rob
says...
5:05pm Thu 24 May 12
Brighton & Hove 30 square miles.
Whats wrong with using a bus?
onedaytheleftwillburn
says...
5:10pm Thu 24 May 12
Council Pound
says...
5:18pm Thu 24 May 12
sglenister
says...
5:26pm Thu 24 May 12
Yeah, well, get up earlier and use the bus like everyone else in Brighton - who also come from "all areas of the city."
stir up
says...
5:26pm Thu 24 May 12
Falstaff
says...
5:30pm Thu 24 May 12
jub
says...
5:39pm Thu 24 May 12
Goldenwight
says...
5:57pm Thu 24 May 12
Falstaff wrote:It would only be a taxable benefit if they were entitled to use the permits to park their own cars when not using them for work purposes. Which, in line with the Local Councillors, they obviously don't do. Instead, they will joyfully park their cars in town for £20 a day on their days off.
Um, just a thought. If these council employees are using their own cars for work, presumably they are charging mileage. And presumably they are declaring the free parking on their tax form as a taxable benefit? Any trade unionists or council people on here know the answers?
Of course, if free parking were available for all staff that would be a different matter.
southwicker2
says...
6:02pm Thu 24 May 12
Warren Morgan
says...
6:04pm Thu 24 May 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:Just a couple of facts - councillors have passes for the council run Norton Road car park and The Lanes car park next to the two town halls, for use ONLY on council business, usually scheduled meetings. For me this is usually 2-4 hours a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Councillors do not get free on street parking - I do not claim back for any parking fees incurred when attending meetings in my ward which take up the far greater proportion of my time than town hall meetings.
Councillors should live as ordinary residents do and this will enable them to have a full undestanding of the challenges people face each day. If this means they have to leave home early to find a parking space, negotiate traffic or roadworks, and then find £7 in change for a two hour parking fee, then so be it. They will understand how local people live. I have no problem with the councillors then claiming the fee back in expenses to park but at least auditors can check with diaries to ensure the expenses were claimed as part of functional duties.
The bus passes that most Green (and some Labour) councillors have as an alternative to the car park passes are also purchased at taxpayers expense from the bus company, and should only be used when travelling to/from council related business.
Falstaff
says...
6:17pm Thu 24 May 12
Goldenwight wrote:Yes, of course. Perish the thought. They'd never use their annual car parking permits for anything other than work and would only bring their cars to work on those days when they knew that they would have to travel by car purely for work purposes and not when they were simply driving to and from work and parking their car in the car park for fee. Silly me. And if they do claim mileage - which we don't yet know - then that will be the absolute minimum mileage rate that is odometer verified. That must be another given.
Falstaff wrote:It would only be a taxable benefit if they were entitled to use the permits to park their own cars when not using them for work purposes. Which, in line with the Local Councillors, they obviously don't do. Instead, they will joyfully park their cars in town for £20 a day on their days off.
Um, just a thought. If these council employees are using their own cars for work, presumably they are charging mileage. And presumably they are declaring the free parking on their tax form as a taxable benefit? Any trade unionists or council people on here know the answers?
Of course, if free parking were available for all staff that would be a different matter.
Noah Lott
says...
6:38pm Thu 24 May 12
Hove Actually
says...
6:46pm Thu 24 May 12
She has worked out it saves her over £800 per year in parking charges when she is shopping, parking outside her house when not at work, and parking near the station when she goes travelling or on holiday.
Just a case of
DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
7:01pm Thu 24 May 12
Falstaff
says...
7:04pm Thu 24 May 12
Hove Actually wrote:This can't be correct. As Goldenwight has pointed out, were this to be the case, the benefit would be taxable. And, of course, the council must check that such staff permits are not abused. They do, don't they?
We have a young lady who lives in out street, she has a Brighton & Hove staff permit valid in all parking zones on her private car.
She has worked out it saves her over £800 per year in parking charges when she is shopping, parking outside her house when not at work, and parking near the station when she goes travelling or on holiday.
Just a case of
DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO
Andy R
says...
7:46pm Thu 24 May 12
Non-story
minnie&teddy
says...
7:46pm Thu 24 May 12
HJarrs
says...
8:09pm Thu 24 May 12
While I am not a fan of over use of the car and encouraging car journies, but be careful what you wish for. Currently, the cost is the price of a permit and a bit of admin. If these permits are part of terms and conditions then there will be upward pressure on wages and retention of the best staff. Claiming back parking adds costs for processing. I would be sad to see an another Argus stirring-it-up story resulting in extra costs being levied on council tax payers.
I certainly don't have an issue with Warren Morgan and other councillors claiming reasonable travel expenses and allowances. I want good quality councillors for B&H whatever their political allegiance.
Do any Argus employees get free parking?
ourcoalition
says...
8:13pm Thu 24 May 12
Some staff are.....
Social Workers - car needed for urgent responses to the public ringing in with concerns about kids being abused.
Home Carers - urgent response to cases where the elderly, disabled, need assistance.
Environmental health - responding to food, noise, etc, concerns.
Building Control - contractor knocking down a Grade 1 listed wall - need to get there quick.
It's not feasible for staff to use public transport - it's too slow!
Mileage rate for using your own car for the employers business - 42p (A.A. reccommended rate, over 80p a mile).
And many employers in the private sector in the City do supply parking, or like the Council (at the Library, for example, have negotiated "group" rates for their staff in NCP).
ourcoalition
says...
8:21pm Thu 24 May 12
Council Pound wrote:Had it cut!!!
I can't believe the nutty knutson and his perm still are around. Oust the knut
Oust me? Unlike the poor democracy elsewhere in the Country, I stand for re-election every 12 months. Been re-elected every year since 1989 so must be doing something right, I think.
But, to make you feel better, I will retire in 10 years time - that is, unless your Government keeps raising the age, in which case you might have me forever - sorry, don't want to send shivers down your spine! Perhaps you should vote Green or Red next time...........?!
allykatz
says...
8:24pm Thu 24 May 12
I believe that is commonly known as a monopoly perhaps we should invite some fair competition into the city.
Warren Morgan
says...
9:35pm Thu 24 May 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:In The Lanes car park use is monitored - the passes are scanned on entry and exit by a system installed as part of the multi-million pound refit undertaken by the Tory Administration. So all uses by councillors are recorded.
Warren what governance is in place to ensure passes are used only for council business?
At Norton Road in Hove there has been no expensive refit, so passes are checked visually by NCP wardens - I don't know if use is logged by them but I doubt it.
I don't know how the bus pass scheme works, and whether the bus company could provide details of individual use, journeys, cost etc.
bogs
says...
9:40pm Thu 24 May 12
ourcoalition wrote:A social worker respond urgently. They can't burp without a conference!
A few facts might help the debate........
Some staff are.....
Social Workers - car needed for urgent responses to the public ringing in with concerns about kids being abused.
Home Carers - urgent response to cases where the elderly, disabled, need assistance.
Environmental health - responding to food, noise, etc, concerns.
Building Control - contractor knocking down a Grade 1 listed wall - need to get there quick.
It's not feasible for staff to use public transport - it's too slow!
Mileage rate for using your own car for the employers business - 42p (A.A. reccommended rate, over 80p a mile).
And many employers in the private sector in the City do supply parking, or like the Council (at the Library, for example, have negotiated "group" rates for their staff in NCP).
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
9:45pm Thu 24 May 12
Otherwise it's a bit rich for the Greens to introduce hikes in parking charges to get people out of their cars and create bikes lanes all over the place for the ordinary plebs to use while allowing their own staff and themselves to use cars and buses by giving themselves free parking and claiming bus passes.
And I am sure Warren even you will admit it would do your waistlines some good.
The electorate are getting a little fed up with being told 'do as I say not what I do'.
I am considering an FoI of councillors travel claims and then map their homes with their claims and which policies they vote for.
Let's see which ones are the laziest and the most hypocritical.
I bet the ones voting on all the bike lanes and charges increases are the ones who live right in town and never get in the saddle and have no need for a car.
Perhaps as you are in opposition you can step up the pressure.
hubby
says...
10:50pm Thu 24 May 12
brilliant.You couldn't make it up!
I love this site.It cheers me up!
diriky
says...
11:45pm Thu 24 May 12
Busterblister
says...
6:58am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:00am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:00am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:03am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:04am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:06am Fri 25 May 12
But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads?
I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
Busterblister
says...
7:08am Fri 25 May 12
HJarrs
says...
9:06am Fri 25 May 12
Busterblister wrote:I note that all majors have had a car. Apparently this was a big posh limo years ago and is now a sponsored electric car. Seems like progress to me. My view is that far from being anti-car The Green Party seems to be pursuing a reasonable policy of responsible car use. It is amazing the amount of heat a modest rebalancing and movement towards modal shift causes. Some people are very resistant to change. I am sure that those that continue to need to use cars for access to the city will continue to do so. But, it seems to me that there are a lot of people who confuse need with want.
Of course some council workers need cars to do their jobs. And of course councillors, some of whom I'm sure have day jobs, need to use cars to get to and from council meetings / council business. of course it would be unthinkable for public sector workers to abuse their parking priveleges in any way shape or form - just ask the unions. But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads? I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
I don't get or want free parking at my workplace but my senior managers do! A common practice. As I have said previously, be careful what you wish for as we could get bounced into paying more as council tax payers due to a kneejerk reaction to this story. We should await the outcome of the permit review.
Your comments on Stalinism are wide of the mark and say more about you than the subject. All four major parties in B&H are well within the moderate spectrum and all are quite rightly democratic in operation and in outlook. I don't know how you dare to compare this with the most appalling regime that butchered or starved its own people in the millions and reigned by terror.
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
10:21am Fri 25 May 12
Looking at Bill Randall and some of the others, they really could do with losing some weight and the best way is by bike in the lanes they insist are safe and will encourage cycling.
However, I do feel the Greens are the old Tories of the 90s who used to tell us all about back to basics and family values when they were all at it with each other.
I smell hypocrisy in the air.
However, I will continue with my FoI request for info about councillors expenses, their modes of transport and their home addresses and let's map their activity and green credentials.
I am rather pleased that the Greens are helping the rich with their electric charging points for people who can stump up £20,000 for a new car, or those with 4x4s who don't bat an eyelid at £20 for seafront parking.
This lot are worse than the Tories for feathering the nests of the wealthy.
RickH
says...
12:36pm Fri 25 May 12
allykatz wrote:Or maybe speaking out for expats who are located in the Loire area of France and who haven't paid UK tax for years (at their own admission). This is very much the case for one of the head guys for the Tax Payers Alliance; nothing but rank hypocrisy!
D360 wrote: Excellent standard of proof as usual: "The Argus understands the local authority believes..." The thing I find most offensive in this article is the quote from the founder of the "People's Parking Protest". I wish people with an axe to grind on a single would stop asserting that they speak for the people, just like "Taxpayers alliance", "Big Brother Watch" and other such misinformed deluded folkMaybe not the looney left, misinformed greens and beardy weirdies, but as for hard working, tax paying and concerned citizens I'd say they do.
Bubs
says...
1:40pm Fri 25 May 12
"It's not feasible for staff to use public transport - it's too slow!"
Priceless! Are you saying that it is too slow for the council staff to use but adequate speed for all other Brighton and Hove travellers?
cookie_brighton
says...
2:28pm Fri 25 May 12
THIS council is spending thousands on cycle lanes to get cars off the road.......causing inconvienience to most whilst the work is carried out.
Simple solution......issue council workers with a pushbike...it would be a one off payment and it would show THIS council stands up to its issues.
Just got to go out and renew my parking ticket before one of the foreign parking attendants, who most do not speak english, gives me a ticket.
salty_pete
says...
2:54pm Fri 25 May 12
anonymous coward
says...
5:15pm Fri 25 May 12
It's a valuable perk that costs the tax payer a minimal amount. Seems very practical.
Or would you rather they increased their salary by a couple of grand out of our pockets just to satisfy some ill thought out sense of what is "fair"?
Council Pound
says...
9:55pm Fri 25 May 12
This is defintly the Unison (Knutty Knuttsey perm useless union rep.
Busterblister
says...
5:36am Sat 26 May 12
HJarrs wrote:LOL. Congratulations, I've finally lost the will to live. I suspect this is another reason why people don't want to go into politics - having to deal with the general public.
Busterblister wrote:I note that all majors have had a car. Apparently this was a big posh limo years ago and is now a sponsored electric car. Seems like progress to me. My view is that far from being anti-car The Green Party seems to be pursuing a reasonable policy of responsible car use. It is amazing the amount of heat a modest rebalancing and movement towards modal shift causes. Some people are very resistant to change. I am sure that those that continue to need to use cars for access to the city will continue to do so. But, it seems to me that there are a lot of people who confuse need with want.
Of course some council workers need cars to do their jobs. And of course councillors, some of whom I'm sure have day jobs, need to use cars to get to and from council meetings / council business. of course it would be unthinkable for public sector workers to abuse their parking priveleges in any way shape or form - just ask the unions. But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads? I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
I don't get or want free parking at my workplace but my senior managers do! A common practice. As I have said previously, be careful what you wish for as we could get bounced into paying more as council tax payers due to a kneejerk reaction to this story. We should await the outcome of the permit review.
Your comments on Stalinism are wide of the mark and say more about you than the subject. All four major parties in B&H are well within the moderate spectrum and all are quite rightly democratic in operation and in outlook. I don't know how you dare to compare this with the most appalling regime that butchered or starved its own people in the millions and reigned by terror.
Busterblister
says...
5:40am Sat 26 May 12
HJarrs wrote:LOL. Congratulations, I've finally lost the will to live. I suspect this is another reason why people don't want to go into politics - having to deal with the general public.
Busterblister wrote:I note that all majors have had a car. Apparently this was a big posh limo years ago and is now a sponsored electric car. Seems like progress to me. My view is that far from being anti-car The Green Party seems to be pursuing a reasonable policy of responsible car use. It is amazing the amount of heat a modest rebalancing and movement towards modal shift causes. Some people are very resistant to change. I am sure that those that continue to need to use cars for access to the city will continue to do so. But, it seems to me that there are a lot of people who confuse need with want.
Of course some council workers need cars to do their jobs. And of course councillors, some of whom I'm sure have day jobs, need to use cars to get to and from council meetings / council business. of course it would be unthinkable for public sector workers to abuse their parking priveleges in any way shape or form - just ask the unions. But if there is a need for these people to use their cars, it becomes logical to suggest that many others in the city need their cars for equally pressing matters both business and domestic, and shows exactly why anti-car policies are unpopular and counter-productive. Unless of course the Greens are trying to create a Stalinist environment where only the apparatchik can use the roads? I note our green Mayor has a car. Why?
I don't get or want free parking at my workplace but my senior managers do! A common practice. As I have said previously, be careful what you wish for as we could get bounced into paying more as council tax payers due to a kneejerk reaction to this story. We should await the outcome of the permit review.
Your comments on Stalinism are wide of the mark and say more about you than the subject. All four major parties in B&H are well within the moderate spectrum and all are quite rightly democratic in operation and in outlook. I don't know how you dare to compare this with the most appalling regime that butchered or starved its own people in the millions and reigned by terror.
tom servo
says...
6:33pm Sat 26 May 12
cookie_brighton wrote:Oh dear.... I bet you're one of those people who starts sentences with "I'm not racist but......"
THIS council is giving their employees free parking......hmmm
THIS council is spending thousands on cycle lanes to get cars off the road.......causing inconvienience to most whilst the work is carried out.
Simple solution......issue council workers with a pushbike...it would be a one off payment and it would show THIS council stands up to its issues.
Just got to go out and renew my parking ticket before one of the foreign parking attendants, who most do not speak english, gives me a ticket.
ourcoalition
says...
11:10pm Sat 26 May 12
Council Pound wrote:I refer you to my previous answer above!!!
@ ourcoalition
This is defintly the Unison (Knutty Knuttsey perm useless union rep.
D5
says...
9:10am Mon 28 May 12
Also if they need to get to a meeting at 2am in portslade/hove/brigh
ton/whitehawk -they can get the N7/N25/N1.
These people don't generate any profit etc only more forms printed in a multitude of languages. Get rid of these leeches,privatise the council and make it geared towards value for the tax payer.
Animal farm springs to mind.
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit
says...
5:13pm Mon 28 May 12
To use the modern rhetoric Councillors should stop being so 'lazy' and 'selfish' and use the bus the same as they expect every one else to. There's nothing special about what they do that entitles them to special treatment.
D5
says...
6:22pm Tue 29 May 12
Jimmy Stewart's Imaginary Rabbit wrote:great post.
As has been pointed out I'm sure free permits do help Councillors to fulfill their duties - exactly the same as they would help 99% of their constituents to fulfill theirs.
To use the modern rhetoric Councillors should stop being so 'lazy' and 'selfish' and use the bus the same as they expect every one else to. There's nothing special about what they do that entitles them to special treatment.
Why is it that public sector workers seem to think they are so "vital" etc? Perhaps because there beloved nu labour told them so?
They don't make money -they waste it.
And we all pay for it.
Nice work if....
tradebooker
says...
1:50pm Wed 20 Jun 12
Maxwell's Ghost says...
3:24pm Thu 24 May 12
If this means they have to leave home early to find a parking space, negotiate traffic or roadworks, and then find £7 in change for a two hour parking fee, then so be it. They will understand how local people live.
I have no problem with the councillors then claiming the fee back in expenses to park but at least auditors can check with diaries to ensure the expenses were claimed as part of functional duties.