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Conference boycott sparks war of words
Date published: 21 June 2010
OLDHAM’S Labour councillors are boycotting a trip to Bournemouth for this year’s Local Government Conference.
Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon will not join fellow Tory and Liberal Democrat leaders Jack Hulme and Howard Sykes, and Chief Executive Charlie Parker, for the July conference.
But Labour’s break with tradition has been criticised by Councillor Hulme.
He said the conference, from July 6 to 8, will focus on building confidence in local government, providing economic leadership during the downturn, and reducing waste and improving efficiency.
It costs £519 per delegate.
Councillor Hulme added: “After refusing to participate in a Cabinet of all the talents, and now in declining to attend the most significant local government conference of the year, it seems like the Labour group are more interested in scoring political points than making a real constructive contribution to the future of Oldham.
“We all know that we are going to have to make significant savings and we will need to think innovatively if we are to provide the sort of services that our residents expect.
“This conference is a wonderful opportunity for us to share ideas, and learn from the experiences of the best performing councils in the country.
Councillor Lynne Thompson, Liberal Democrat Cabinet member for performance and value for money, said: “Usually, the council sends between nine and 12 delegates, but this year only a small five-person delegation will attend the conference in Bournemouth, made up of three councillors and two officers.
“The cost of the three day conference is £519 per delegate, plus standard-class travel and accommodation, which is the rate all other delegates are paying.”
But Councillor McMahon in unrepentant and said: “It is going to cost thousands.
“The Labour group is not taking part and questions whether Oldham should pay £70,000 a year to be a member of the Local Government Association. What do we get for it?”
Comments
Is Jack Hulme being serious? - a '.... Cabinet of all the talents ...'
Has it not dawned on him yet that the 'talent' of the Lib Dems and Tories was clearly recognised by the electorate of Oldham this year!
He's clearly grabbing what he can, while he can, as he wont be propping up any Lib Dem group next year!!!
It's good to see that Cllr McMahon is staying put - and I suppose the question is why do so many have to go anyway - is no one capable of composing a full report for others?
They should pay for the trip out of the thousands they get in expenses and allowances. The Lib Dems gave £33,000 to the national party out of their council money last financial year. If they can afford to give £33,000 to their national party they can afford £513 to go on a jolly by the seaside.
I don't know where Cllr Thompson gets the 9 to 12. Delegates as a norm. It used to be five - three from the controlling group, one from the opposition group and a senior officer.
Based on standard rail fare, hotel bills say £100 per night plus grub, plus £519 per delegate you can reckon on the best part of £6,000 for this. What is 'this?' It's a JOLLY.
The Local Government Association - well what do we get for it?
Does anyone know - or actually care?
'Building confidence in local government' - forget it 'Providing economic leadership' - forget it
'Reducing waste and improving efficiency' - we all know how to do that -get rid of those who are having another holiday at our expense.
Isn't this an expense? don't they have an allowance for expenses?
I would like to know how much Oldham Council is spending on advertising with First Bus and Revolution Radio. What a disgraceful waste of money that is when they should be communicating through local councillors.
Have Your Say
Much easier to sit on the sidelines and snipe? If Mr McMahon went to the conference they might ask him to chip in some ideas.
Was the council in the Local Government Association when Labour was in charge. Bet they were.
By Effie60 @ 21/06/2010 15:24:54