£62,000 to tell us how to empty our wheelie bins ... I'm no April fool
I WAS prepared to give Hull City Council the benefit of the doubt.
Its decision to hike council tax by 1.9 per cent is a tough pill to swallow – especially as everyone I know is feeling incredibly skint at the moment.
But I also recognise that we have to pay for vital services if we want them.
I don't want to see old folks homes close or bins left uncollected on the streets.
Come and discover the wildlife at Blacktoft Sands nature reserve for just £6. Offer includes entry for 2 adults and up to 3 children, binocular hire and activities for children. Normal value £12.
Terms: Redeem voucher at visitor reception during opening hours, 9am to 5pm. Only, one pair of binoculars per voucher, customers will need to leave car keys as a deposit for binoculars.
Contact: 01405 800024
Valid until: Saturday, June 15 2013
So, OK, I thought, I'd grin and bear it, overlook the fact the council had dodged the required referendum by bringing in the raise at under 2 per cent and get on with life, accepting the fact that life's tough for everyone. But then, the day after, I read that the same council has blown £62,000 hiring a Bristol marketing company to tell us how to empty our wheelie bins.
Are they taking the Michael?
Apparently, the council felt it necessary to splurge the cash on some ridiculous campaign telling us that some bin collections are switching to fortnightly from April 1 – which, appropriately enough, is April Fool's Day.
I've no idea how on one hand they can tell us they're improverished and are going to have to squeeze our pips even more – and on the other fritter our money away like a drunk in a casino. They didn't even have the decency to use a Hull PR firm.
Seriously, you council- types, are you living in Cloud Cuckoo Land? Are you that used to sloshing public money around that you've lost all grasp of reality? Get real or you will have a revolt on your hands.
2 Comments
by NorthBar
Friday, February 08 2013, 6:55PM
“Yes, and we have a panel of 10 people to evaluate the tenders which are then sent to committee for approval. That's after, of course, an extensive 'one way' consultation period amongst the diverse communities within our area and the production of the relevant multi language leaflets that we need to support this worthwhile project.
I am sure that as the prior poster has suggested it's a 'no-brainer' really!
In fact, I think, it's actually specified as a vital attribute for the post!”
by KiminHull
Wednesday, February 06 2013, 2:09PM
“They don't have the staff left to do it themselves. It has to be tendered and they apply take the value for money quote. 62k is about 1 and a half posts for a year, with all the on cost, employers pension contributions etc. The 62k will save an estimated 300k, and that's year on year. It's a no brainer.”