I am glad to see that a 30 strong group, comprising of Plaid Cymru, Labour, the Original Independents and Menai Group have finally agreed to form a new coalition following Clive McGregor's stepping down at the AGM in May. As previously reported here it will be headed by Plaid's Cllr Bob Parry with Labour's Cllr John Chorlton as his Deputy. The 30 have agreed to support the budget and reduce the special responsibility allowance for councillors (i.e. the extra cash received by portfolio holders) by at least 10 percent. I hope that this new and large grouping will provide the necessary stability to prove to WAG that Ynys Môn's councillors are mature enough to work together in the best interests of the Island.
However I also hope that it is not a case of too-little-too-late. The amendments to the WAG Local Government which will allow for the forced merger of Welsh councils has now been passed in committee by the Labour-Plaid coalition in Cardiff Bay despite opposition from Conservative and Lib-Dem AMs. It will be debated again in the Senedd sometime in March before coming law. This measure will allow WAG to merge up to three local authorities without the need for consultation with local residents, and is widely believed to be designed with a merger of Ynys Môn and Gwynedd in mind. There is no doubt in my mind that any forced merger with Gwynedd would certainly not be in the interests of Ynys Môn's residents (see why here).
82 comments:
The merger of council's.
This is the real reason Bowles was sent to Anglesey , not to help recover, but to destabilize the Authority so much with his outrageous behavior, that it would make it that much easier for WAG to do its dirty work.
Positive. Although it's quite a few groupings, Lab and Plaid will stick by it- they'll have to. And I hope the Original Independents will stick by.
Hopefully things will improve, and actually I think they might (however why isn't one of the O.I's a leader or deputy?).
If there were ever proposals for mergers druid, do you think they would have a referendum locally nowadays?
I think if the measure is passed, Local Gov reforms will be in most parties manifestos.
However as long as Gwynedd and Mon, share services and even Chief Execs, I don't see the need for it.
Anything is better than the current situation, when the elected can't wait to get their slice of the cake, maybe it will be for the good of all of us, instead of having a local Council and Authority who don't care anymore about the people of this Island. Maybe to cut the costs they should have fewer Councillors, that would be a better remedy instead of 40 have twenty, that way we will know who they are straight away if they decide to misbehave.
In the future there will be 3 lare aoyjorites, North Wales, Mid Wales and South Wales, one massive cake cut into 3, which will be better for all of us.
Of course the two councils should be merged. And another one should also be merged into the new grouping too.
How else can we keep a tight control on costs and benefit through real economies of scale.
As to who runs what, well that is all for another debate.
WAG do appear to be swimming against the wider democratic tide.
North Africas' peoples are calling for democratic accountability, (whether they get it is another matter), the Russian 'Mafia' state is coming in for ever increasing criticism from the West, and the Italians have had enough of Berlesconi's hanky-panky and blatant disregard for lawful governance.
Yet WAG (the Plaid and Labour portion) are slowly centralising their constitutional authority, with little room left for challenging their decisions or even being able to ask for a measure of accountability for when things go wrong with Local Authorities.
The current WAG do seem to be headed in the direction of a democratic deficit.
the global powers that be, those with platinum rolex's and gold wheel trims are slowly slowly catchinig their monkey. Bugs and fleas like us can only watch as they increase their overall control over the global populace.
This attempt to appease the electorate of Ynys Mon is more of the same as before. They'll continue the only way they know. They'll continue to do as they're told. And those doing the telling will also do as they are told. And there goes the way it always has. Only this time we blog about it. Imagine trying to organise assassinations, wars, famines, global food control, pharmacutical needs, weapons, armies etc. It's not governments who manage it, it's way beyond and above their level. Now some of these chaps have agreed to invest in the North of Anglesey. Nuclear waste will kill our future blood lines and thats the way it'll be. Getting the local politicians(insult to the word really) to tow the future line of authority has begun. We are witnessing it, right here right now. .
I heard Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond last night on the radio reported as saying that Scotland would be the 'Green Energy Capital' of Europe/The World.
He predicted that Scotland would be producing 80% of their energy from renewable sources.
Anglesey is 'badging' itself as the 'Energy Isle', (note the absence of 'green' from the strapline - as that would exclude the 'dirty' nuclear option), but there doesn't appear to be a clearly articulated vision for how this will be achieved - (perhaps Welsh Ministers should take a leaf out of David Cameron's book and bid for an internship placement through an auction at the Scottish Parliament).
Personally I believe that with the generally temperate climate we have here that a combination of wind, tidal and solar energy production would be ideally suited to Anglesey as often when the wind isn't blowing the sun is shining, (solar panels are photonic and just need sunlight to produce energy, not heat; and the tide flows for about 20 hours a day every day).
Bio-digesters are only green if they are using waste material, as bio-mass grown specifically for energy generation both degrades the soil and takes land away from the more important sector of food production. - (Britain is now only producing 50% of it's food requirements; a very weak position to be in considering the current spike in food costs worldwide); and food costs are likely to be the irresistable force of inflationary pressure against which we have no imovable object.
NB. While Anglesey makes energy claims Pembrokeshire acts; at least as far as energy generation goes.
Carl Sargeant's stated view is that Anglesey can't make the required savings without a form of merger.
He then passes laws to allow mergers.
The Council hasn't been behaving, and Carl's on record about that, too.
So, it does rather seem inevitable that a pretty far-reaching form of merger is inevitable in a few weeks. Sadly, that still leaves us with the bickering lot that got us into this mess in the first place.
According to Anglesey County Council Constitution, Cllr McGregor position as leader is now unconstitutional and unlawful. He neither has the majority of support or the legal status to stay.
One would think, that anyone in McGregor's dis-reputed position would stand down now , if for no other reason than the sake of the council.
Over weekend I posted a message to Carwyn Jones about the lack of anything here on Anglesey, I was frustrated, I was angry, I was anoyed. I went for a drink and a walk with the dog to gather my thoughts. I had a smoke and a time to think, it was then I realised why I was so angry.
We are on our own, that was my reality, no one cares, believe me, no one cares. If we were to find an alternative to this mess, we would have got ir by now, there is no alternative. There is no solution, we are in this situation, that is not of our making, but the result of incompetence. So, if you ever feel that you or we are to blame for this mess, were not, the mess is their doing, the Political crap is a result of one political diaster after another. We should withdraw our support to this Council and take them all apart one by one, no matter who gets what portfolio, or who gets what position, we should discredit the lot for creating this mess.
Sorry not Bridgend. From Berkshire CC
Forgive me for pointing something out, but are not some of this (highly volatile and unstable) 'coalition' already tarnished but what has happened over the last few years?
So really it's just musical chairs in the Council Chamber.
We deserve better than this heap, we deserve a lot more, my question is would the people of South Wales put up with this sort of cowboy Council and if not, why the hell should we!
I wonder what the real agenda is if we merge with Gwynedd and become Gwynedd Mon, is it to get more Plaid Cymru control or is it to get a better deal in the Welsh Assembly?
What we can do though, is make the merger bus swerve a bit or get the drivers to brake suddenly. It's called being a maverick, being a professional pain in the arse, and speaking out publicly when you think they have got it wrong. If we choose this route we will have plenty of headlines and our integrity intact, but no power to do anything.
I don't want to be a defeatist, but most of us are extremely bright, lucky and patient and we might actually get to map read for the person who's driving the merger bus, it's our Country, it's time for the people to decide where the bus is going and who is driving it, at the moment the bus is being driven by the Welsh Assembly and we all need to get off, beat the driver up, hijack the bus and drive it back to Cardiff.
Does Ieuan Williams walk on water ...?? Oops..he's just drowned..!!
It seems as though it is easier for Egyptians to get shot of their government than for the people of Anglesey to get shot of their county council.
However the merger with Gwynedd CC is a dangerous and stupid idea.Gwynedd CC was largely formed from the truly awful Arfon Council where self-interest was always top of ever agenda.
Anglesey must retain the right to run its own affairs at all costs. ....and we must clean out our own stables.
Sorry Paul,
You may say that comments made by others have nothing to do with you, but honestly you also say that comments that are unduly offensive will be deleted, and the comment made by Penny Watcher (20:25) is quite offensive.
It's up to you Paul but your blog reflects you, and the comments you allow reflect you. Time for you to take control, unless that is you agree with what they say?
Richard Sletzer 20.32.."Clean out our own stables" you say !!..Ynys Mon Council have enough muck spreaders amongst them to do this !!
Not only but also..Unduly Offensive ??..But true..Let Clive answer himself and if he thinks it's offensive and false..then I will apologise...
Seems that McGreggor and Bowles sent a Boy to do a Man's job last night !!..Suggest they go fishing with different Bait next time !!!!
To the Real Insider..12.29..
As for the Little Painter-at least he has increased his Group numbers .not decreased..So should Farmer Tom's School (or Finance Portfolio)Report say "Must do Better next time" ??..Go to the bottom of the Class Tom...Now you are 5..but watch this space...soon you may be 3..or even 2....!!!!
Very interesting reading tonight here..message to "The Real Insider"-12;29---Bowles's "Undesirables" includes the one and only Coun Bob Parry !!...Mc Greggor sacked Chorlton and Hef Thomas for breaking the Terms of Engagement-didn't Bob Parry do the same ???So-why doesen't Mc Greg sack Bob Parry.??can't he cope without him ????...Well Dear Clive-are you Man enough to sack Bobby ???Man or Mouse ????
Not only but also - as you know I have always policed this site rigourously and have ALWAYS gone to great lengths to delete offensive comments.
Clive "not only but also" McGreggor..what's the matter matey..dosen't a copper like the truth..????
There's no crime, corruption or graft in the Council. Just a lot of incompetence. A smattering of incompetent staff and a load of incompetent councillors, BD included.
A lot of them seem to be posting here tonight. Go away you idiots. The staff really are ready to revolt.
Mr David J Bowles..his History tells it all...Why did he ensure that he had a Secure Indemnity when he took on the job...(see www.ynysmon.com) so that no one could blame him for his "Bowles-Up"..Came in purposely to break up Anglesey..Let's get rid of him....
The merger bus, the occupants.
Driver Derek Bowles
Window wiper Mc Gregor
Trolley Dolley Bobbo Parry
Grease Monkey J chorlton
Gaffa tape holder( for holding the bus together) Ieuan Joskin Jones
Spare wheel nut guard Carl chunky Sargeant.
Passengers all the unwanted and the unwelcome, that we elected but have been fed on Anglesey cake, so they don'y want to know us anymore.
People throwing stones and bottles..the public.
Merger Bus police patrol outriders supplied and provided by the traitors in Cardiff.
I'm bussed out, but you get my drift don't you.
Hello STAFF..no need for you to revolt...Bowles and McG and his merry men are REVOLTING enough already...
We have a merger bus and an Anglesey cake, and the next will be, builder's bonus( Grant's affair?)
Oh, God. Now the bickering is everywhere. We really all need to take a long, hard look at ourselves.
I have just read this blog for the first time. It is quite sad really, that all you all seem to do is complain. The way you all talk you would think that we live in Mexico. Remember how lucky we are. This council can't be that bad, my bins will be collected this week, my children can go to school, my aunt can stay in her home with carers to help her, need I say more?
We seem to have got into a pattern of criticise and complain about the council and forget that the services we receive are not that bad. Mainly because the majority of staff/councillors work hard. Don't let the minority taint your point of view. I think it is quite sad that you all spend so much time complaining and bitching. It also seems to me that many of your comments may be from a small minority of councillors who enjoy holding wooden spoons.
21:52
BD Incompetent?
To justify that general remark, give us an example, thats if you can.
My bin will get emptied too, that's why I pay my Council Tax, our problem is political ineptitude and poor management, we have an Assembly who don't care and a Council who won't care.
As I have often written, the wonder of Anglesey County Council is how good the services are despite the political problems. Some services, for example recycling and the library service, are excellent and have been recognised accordingly. This is one of the reasons why I am opposed to a forced merger with Gwynedd -- the services are certainly not failing therefore to forcibly merge councils for the sake of a handful of quarrelsome councillors would be the equivalent of taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Clive McGregor's "Term of (Hate) Engagement" are no more, deemed by the vast majority of the Council, Including those who signed up to them in the first place, as not acceptable.
That is a major vote of no confidence in Clive McGregor. With all the trouble his "Terms" have caused and his constant refusal to have the offensive items removed, Clive McGregor should resign not just as the leader but as a councilor all together.
Paul Williams, Your spot on with that one.
"I have just read this blog for the first time. It is quite sad really, that all you all seem to do is complain. The way you all talk you would think that we live in Mexico. Remember how lucky we are. This council can't be that bad, my bins will be collected this week, my children can go to school, my aunt can stay in her home with carers to help her, need I say more?
We seem to have got into a pattern of criticise and complain about the council and forget that the services we receive are not that bad. Mainly because the majority of staff/councillors work hard. Don't let the minority taint your point of view. I think it is quite sad that you all spend so much time complaining and bitching. It also seems to me that many of your comments may be from a small minority of councillors who enjoy holding wooden spoons".
yes the staff do work hard but the problem is with the leaders of the staff ,the money grabbing portfolio holders, in all honesetly ive followed this blog for a while now , and the majority of the posters on here and i would say the public who dont visit this site are in agreement that the whole of ioacc are corrupt back stabbing tossers who are only in it to see what they can get of it for themselves at the behest of the public , anyone who thinks that they are there for the voters WAKE UP AND OPEN YOUR EYES
Does this apply to all the UK or just England?
"Top council pay packets must be voted on, Pickles says"
from tonights BBC UK news.
these bald tyres have no shame. how many times are the usual suspects mentioned. they are on a carousel, one month tweedle dumb's (jc) turn, the next tweedle dee's (bp) etc etc.
....and the island people sufer.
Has Bowles paid back that bonus he received which was deemed unlawful?
00:36.
"No corruption. Your having a joke aren't you?
Because certain names were named I've had to redact the comment made at 00:36. It is reproduced below without the names:
"I'm a member of staff and I've commented a few times, quite sarcastically, especially about councillors. My wife has commented earlier (after reading this blog for the first time) and I think the comments have become a little saner since she mentioned how good the services are.
Paul is right it's only a handful of councillors who are the trouble causers. I'll name them for you - [redacted]. They're obsessed with power and all it's trappings. Get rid of these and thingsd would be much better. Not perfect, but better.
[redacted] is a good fellow, but he's got it wrong, there's no corruption just mistakes. He should channel his energy into policy like the rest of the new intake. Give them a chance. He does seem to like to get his face into the press.
I'm not sure about our fill in boss, he's not seen around much and has got a lot to learn. He seems very competent but he talks a good game and doesn't deliver. There are serious problems with some support services and he doesn't seem to be sorting them out, it's like he's too concerned with the councillors behaviour."
"how good the services are despite the political problems."
Exactly right - many services are good DESPITE the councillors, not BECAUSE of them.
It could well be a handy mantra for suffering staff at Llangefni.
The majority of issues relating to bins, libraries and planning could all be handled from the outer Hebrides.
There is no need for Anglesey Council to exist in it's own right, it is merely a form of vanity on behalf of the people of Anglesey.
I, for one, would be happy to forgo such vanity.
What makes the feckless Ombudsman think he can through his gross incompetence, help the council get away with robbing Gwynfor Piece out of £27.000+ and get away with it?
The whole shebang need closing down. Just a bunch of crooks the lot of them.
The penny has finally dropped the biggest crooks are those whom we thought were there to help us instead helped themsleves.
If in March the WAG decide that we merge, is that a good reason to allow the WAG powers to do these things WITHOUT CONSULTING THE PEOPLE FIRST.
Bowles is going to prison.
Please support:
http://www.gopetition.com/petition/42386.html
Time to obatruct ANY merger with Gwynedd
The best way to stop the rot is to not have the rot in the first place. It's too late for a lot of the victims, their time has been and gone, tomorrow's victims will be trested the same way, it won't matter if we merge with the monkeys in Caenarfon, the politics of Wales is doomed, because we have no system that gives the people faith.
I was condemned by the Welsh Arsembly ( intentional misspelling) for speaking up for the victims of abuse, and their response mimicked the idealogy of this Council, no one is to blame and no one speaks up in case they are found to be responsible for helping the victim. Their job and career are on the line, this is why Councillors, staff are silent, to speak up against the Council and to challenge a decision made by the Welsh Arsembly will result in dismissal or being passed over for promotion. The only people left to speak up are the mavericks, they are the only voice democracy has in Anglesey.
Bowles has now lost the plot altogether.
There is no doubt that he needs sectioning before he does any more criminal damage.
His behavior now has stretched to attacking and abusing any and all who he does not like. The man is a total crack pot.
"The 30 have agreed to support the budget and reduce the special responsibility allowance for councillors (i.e. the extra cash received by portfolio holders) by at least 10 percent.",
If we look at 2009/10 this would mean a cash saving of almost £21,500. Good!
However, it is only just below the amount paid to Cllr. J Chorlton in the same period (£22,700). What if we got rid of him instead ...Better?
"Total Crack Pot"
Not as big a crack pot as Carl will look like if he doesn't sack him quickly.
News from the Kremlin.
Looks like Anglesey County Council is in line for the biggest mega bucks law suit any Authority in Wales has ever seen, all brought about by David Bowles & Clive McGregor.
Carl Sargeant will shit himself.
John Chorlaton spotted in Waitrose with a tie heavily stained in gravy....
David Bowles has sent a threatening letter to all Councillors today.
Now Clive McGregor's, Term of Engagement, have been kick into touch, Councillors have refused to continue condemning Cllr Durkin and Schofield, this has enraged David Bowles, into writing to all Councillors abusing certain members and telling them to sign up to condemn again or else.
Copy of letter on its way.
Bloody Ell....friend showed me the "LETTER" !!!!!..Now then Bowles who is the Bully Boy?????..
A go home Bowles Campaign starts today.
A go home Bowles campaign instigated by Councillors and Staff is to start today with a leaflet drop in Llangefni.
A growing numbers of Staff and Councillors have had enough and the latest bully boy letter sent to some Councillors has become the straw that broke the camels back.
Bowles must now go before he is allowed to damage to the Council.
Enough is Enough
Tin Pot Tyrant
Bully Boy Bowles
Must Go Now.
Supposedly sent in to help Anglesey County Council recover from it's poor reputation, Interim Managing Director, Mr David Bowles, has done more damage to the Authority with his Malicious, Vindictive, Bully Boy tactics than anyone could possibly imagine.
Having pitted Councillor against Councillor and Staff against Councillors, David Bowles's latest Bulling and abusive letter to Councillors has pushed the Council to the edge of anarchy, purely for his own wicked motives and nothing else.
His Bully Boy, Sociopathic mentality can no longer be tolerated; he has become a danger to the wellbeing of the Authority, its Councillors and Staff, but more importantly the People of Anglesey.
He Must Go Now.
Are you listening Ieuan Wyn Jones?
The ball is now in your court.
"Tin Pot Tyrant"
A public menace, needs locking up.
Does anyone know how to go about getting this danger lunatic sectioned?
Good place for a few placards next week Llandudno Labour Conference, maybe a bit of egg on their faces..
18:08
Its been arranged.
All are welcome.
18:08
Its been arranged.
All are welcome.
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