INBOX
From: Peter Subject: Green Deal
As someone who has worked in energy effi ciency for many years and mostly with local authorities, the ‘incentives’ that DECC are offering will not change the fact that Green Deal loans are a long- term burden on a property, at interest rates that do not refl ect the current ‘real world’ markets.
When residents come to sell their properties, it cannot be assumed that the new purchasers will automatically accept the Green Deal charge, especially if they have their own views on energy- effi ciency.
From: Cllr Roger P Allen Subject: Councillors forced to disclose union links
As a Conservative councillor, I am obliged to register my membership of organisations that have no political affi liations whatsoever. I cannot see that this move will make a scrap of difference to anything.
From: Martin Dyer Subject: Zero-hours contracts
Zero-hours contracts have a role to play, the same as any other type of contract. They offer fl exibility to the employer and the employee, and they benefi t working mums/ dads who only want a few hours a week but keep the fl exibility.
But we have to be careful that we do not exploit this, if a FTC is more appropriate then they should be used. Overall, I believe zero-hours contracts are a good idea.
From: Lou Scales Subject: Public sector contracts
Contractors must recognise they cannot be given the privilege of getting on a shortlist without demonstrating clearly they have the experience and ability to deliver what’s required. Big contracts require evidence of capability before selection. There are too many examples of poor contracting, most of which falls on public sector employees, although a signifi cant responsibility lies with contractors.
Public authorities need to ensure they parcel up work to ensure the small contractors get a chance to bid and receive some work. Far too many contracts fall to the same range of companies.
Public authorities have a big role in expanding the number of businesses able to offer a good service. Inevitably this costs money but in the end is worthwhile as it expands competition.
From: Noreen New, Rugby Subject: Badger cull begins
The start of the badger cull during the breeding season is totally inhumane. Many pregnant females will be killed and their cubs will starve to death due to the loss of their mothers.
The badgers are a protected species for a reason. This cull could see us lose one of our most precious forms of wildlife from the countryside.
We mustn’t forget the fact that bovine TB is also spread between cattle and the only real answer to the problem is vaccination against the disease, both in cattle and badgers.
The money spent on this cull, which will kill both healthy and infected animals, could be spent on a vaccination programme for badgers instead. Local wildlife trusts are in the process of carrying out vaccination programmes in other areas such
public sector executive Sep/Oct 13 | 19
as Warwickshire; why wasn’t this method of controlling the disease given a chance and given the proper funding fi rst?
We always use the bullet before the brain and then have the audacity to call ourselves a ‘nation of animal lovers’!
From: Retired magistrate Subject: Magistrates and cautions
I became increasingly saddened by the number of cases that appeared on the court list and we were told that a disposal of ‘caution’ was still being considered by the police. Cautions were never meant for repeat offences or serious matters of common assault.
Even more worrying are the assaults etc. that have a victim and other witnesses willing to give evidence and the comment comes back after a few weeks or months that there is “insuffi cient evidence to take to court”. I know of two such instances within my wider
family circle and anecdotes of many more from friends.
Finally, when police are called to a scene either similar to the one above or a serious road accident such that suffered by my daughter who was stationery in a car near a school entrance and a young driver crashed into her at a horrifi c speed. The police arrived and asked her if “she wanted to prosecute?” Surely, the offence should be considered for its severity and circumstances by the police. Speeding drivers are usually given penalties for three miles over the limit, let alone 30mph over.
The magistrates may well be given greater powers – but will the cases be bought to court? Will the administration for Crown Prosecution be improved?
Magistrates of course cannot comment in newspapers – they are not allowed.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
opinion@publicsectorexecutive.com
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