Topic: | Re:LBH Accounts; | |
Posted by: | John Todd | |
Date/Time: | 18/11/10 08:08:00 |
Dawn, You pose a number of questions. I'll try and answer them as best as I can Leisure. By way of background reading you may want to read the LBH Overview And Scrutiny report on this provision. Our previous provider CIP was struggling financially because of pre 2006 budget cuts. The new coalition in 2006/7 received advice that it would take about 12m to bring our Libraries and Leisure Centres up to standard. The funding allocated to these entities was materialy increased with savings made by the PIP process The appointment of Continental, Laings and other contractors after a rigourous procurement process did in my view achieve a number of real benefits. Amongst other things many libraries and leisure centres have been refurbished. Others like my local in Chiswick are due for a make - over shortly. Most CIP staff employed in libraries/parks etc transferred to the respective contractors under TUPE legislation. Some welcomed the improvements made to our parks. My local swimming pool the small chiswick pool was recently described as a first class improvement. I agree. As Chair of the Performance and Finanance Overview and Scrutiny Panel I recently asked questions on the performance of our reycling team/contractor at the Executive. I can give you the reference if you wish. We endeavour to challenge when appropriate. My understanding of the West London Waste arrangement is by workng in partnership with our local councils economies of scale can be achieved. Partnership arrangements are in operation in other areas too. The audit Commission endorses this approach. LBH Overview Scrutiny Committee and respective panels carry out rigourous reviews and have Directors attend are asked to justify and explain. Again you might wish to monitor their work.It's all available on line. They are public meetings but are poorly attended. You are correct when you mention LBH having 60 Councillors. There are 20 Wards. I and my two colleagues represent the interests of 9000 residents and contribute in differing ways to the efficient and effective running oversight and governance of LBH. Audit, Pension Fund Investment, Grants monitoring, Planning, Child Care etc are areas we all collectively deal with. |