Consultants
A problem cries out for attention; a bevy of bureaucrats call a few meetings, engage a crew of consultants, sift sundry strategies and then the big idea is launched through the media with much ballyhoo, drinks, canapes and glossy brochures, but slowly the realisation emerges from all the hot air that the solution to the problem was the bureaucrats old pal, another bureaucracy.
A recent request under the Freedom of Information Act shows just how much Stoke-on-Trent has, and is, spending on the use of consultants. In light of the task of saving millions of pounds to balance a massive budget deficit, Stoke-on-Trent City Council will now surely look to drastically cut the number of highly paid consultants.
As the first decade of the C21st century slides its way into history, a Freedom of Information (F.O.I.) question directed to Stoke-on-Trent City Council is stonewalled on the trumped up excuse that "we estimate that the cost of complying with your request would be more than £450."
Many of my previous blogs relate to how difficult it is to get information out of the council even as a councillor. This has led me to resort to attempting to gain important information through the Freedom of Information Act. Even this appears not to work. You views would be appreciated! FOI and Council response below: From: Michael J. Barnes Sent: 23 November 2009 13:49 To: FOI Subject: FOI REQUEST
