Blog: A credit to their community

Today I’ve been in Northamptonshire meeting UNISON members affected by council mismanagement, poor leadership and chronic underfunding. Northamptonshire County Council has become a watchword for local government failure, and a salutary warning to those who believe that privatisation is the answer for local services. This is a council that has pursued an extreme low council tax, high outsourcing policy that has pushed the authority to the very brink – leading to a government investigation that recommended abolishing the county council altogether. It’s also the first council in two decades to be subjected to a section 114 order, ordering it to curb additional spending. Clearly, this is a council in crisis. And yet it is also a council with staff who are a credit to their community and the whole of local government. The UNISON members I met today were dedicated, thoughtful and passionate public servants. They deliver public services to a high standard in incredibly trying circumstances. But don’t just take my word for it. An independent investigation – which was highly critical of council leadership – found that they employ “many good, hardworking, dedicated staff who are trying to deliver essential services to residents who need and value what is offered and available. The problems the staff faces are not their fault – in fact, Northamptonshire council’s staff are the solution to the problems faced. Their skills and experience will be vital if local services ...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: General secretary's blog News Source Type: news