howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#1
the subject was raised some time ago about sandwiches at district council meetings, now the issue has moved to county hall.
the yellows are saying that if councillors brought their own grub along to meetings it would save £.7000 over a year, whilst paul carter made an impassioned speech about a person's right to enjoy a pork pie.
the thing that struck me was that the yellow chap that advocated the saving must have weight the best part of 25 stone so he could probably go for 6 months without the urgent desire to munch on a sausage roll.
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#2
HOWARD
When i visited the council over 30 years ago in the interest of becoming a cllr i did see that used to provide a cup of tea and a biscuit.
I usec to moan to my brother who was a leader of council about the expense of that.
A few months later this moved to a full scale buffet.
with the excuse that cllrs are busy people(so are we all)
so it became a permanant costly feature and in todays climate unjustified.
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#3
disagree keith, more about district than county though.
many people go straight from work to council meetings without having the benefit of a nosebag.
our own councillor from tower hamlets made this point some time ago, we all know that he needs to keep his energy levels high.
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#4
but not for work reason's howard
lol
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
#5
Boys it sounds like a case of green eyed envy here
#6
Something many people do not grasp is the importance of relationship management to business, and that includes council business. It could be seen as an investment........
Guest 694- Registered: 22 Mar 2010
- Posts: 778
#7
I love when i go to trade fairs and the suppliers give us sandwiches and the like... means i am in a better mmood.. ohh and of course then i spend more
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
#8
What a lot of rubbish is being spouted re a few sandwichs Until a year ago I had to attend County Hall for 2.00pm meetings .I had to leave River before noon .I took a couple of sandwiches to eat on on the train .A coffee was provided at County Hall but no biscuits .
With due respect many County Councillors have to travel a fair distance to attend meetings at Maidstone and if they have an all day meeting surely you cant begrudge them a couple of sandwiches .
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#9
Hey Sue
I'm not against anyone having free sandwiches if you can get away with it but I also wonder how many forumites leave home in the early hours to go to work but have to provide their own tea and coffee 'on the move' and then purchase or take their own sandwiches . What make councillors so special?
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#10
Ah,I agree with that one.
Sue Nicholas- Location: river
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 6,025
#11
Some of our councillors work in London and come straight to a meeting .Last weeks Full Council did not end until 10 00Pm .I usually eat a sandwich before I leave however Im fortunate as the Council Offices are only a couple of minutes bus ride away .
I recall many years ago a Labour Councillor bringing fish and chips into the meeting consquently no food or hot drinks are allowed at a Full Council meeting .
Guest 670- Registered: 23 Apr 2008
- Posts: 573
#12
Sue apart from you and a handful of other councillors, most are not worth a mouldy digestive, if ever a town needed change.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#13
The difference between me and others snatching something to eat in a busy business day is that councillors usually have a 'day job' as well.
I certainly do not begrudge our elected representatives getting some decent refreshment at meetings. The cost is minimal and the benefits to decision making quite significiant.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#14
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
#15
Unless I'm very much mistaken Councillors are entitled to claim subsistence for certain meetings if they are away for their residence for a lengthy period. Provision of sandwiches may well work out cheaper as these therefore nullify the need to claim. So in fact, provision of basic sandwiches may well work out cheaper for the tax payer than the alternative of having them claim.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#16
when i started this thread i thought the small sum involved would mean few responses, how wrong i was.
i am more in favour of refreshments at district meetings, as has been said many leave work and go straight to a meeting that starts early evening, this is not normally the case at county level.
our county representatives have an allowance of approx £.13000 which should cover their subsistence.
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#17
Barry, I thought most of them were too old to have a day job.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#18
Phil
So long as the councillors are not claiming subsistance AND getting free sarnies....
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#19
Now that is agood one Jan,and true to.
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#20
No thats wrong Jan many do indeed have day jobs.
Mind you. If people want Councils to be made up of older people and those wealthy enough not to need a 'day job' then by all means act to make life more difficult for those who are younger and working. Cutting refershments and cutting allowances would be the way to do that.
Dave1 - I do wonder how many councillors you know. I am not suggesting that all are as good as they should be but I would say that most, regardless of politics, are decent worthy people doing their best for the community.
