Today, December 9th 2009, it has been revealed that Rotherham's Children's Services are judged to be poor by Ofsted. This has happened now only because of the information on the new site Oneplace which went live at 00:01! It is important to remember that this was not news to RMBC. The Rotherham Area Assessment can be seen as a pdf file HERE.
The Council have issued a statement on this assessment which means that along with Doncaster and Haringey, Rotherham is among a group of only nine Councils in the whole country whose Children's Services are in such a sorry state.
At first glance the RMBC Press release inspired confidence that they are on to it, however after more detailed consideration and dissection of the contents, I am left worrying that this is not an occasion for a 'leave it with me' approach favoured by Roger Stone that seems to be being offered here.
This is one of the most serious of failures that could happen to a local authority, after all, is a failing where lives are lost. Rotherham must do at least a reasonable job of protecting the most vulnerable in society, our children.
These children cannot lobby politicians or write to newspapers to complain, they are largely invisible and voiceless. We have a duty to them to give them a voice and to pressure failing services until they deliver for them.
This an issue that must be addressed by all of us, we cannot allow this situation to continue for any longer. Lobby your elected representatives, write to the newspapers, support related charities and most important of all do not forget our duty to these children.
NSPCC Telephone Helpline 0808 8005000
ChildLine Telephone Helpline 0800 1111
Donate to Child's Voice Campaign
Showing posts with label RMBC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RMBC. Show all posts
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Friday, 4 September 2009
Wave of protest grips Rotherham following email!
Rotherham residents are quite literally in a state of open revolt on almost all fronts after being insulted and ignored when trying to influence council decision making, surely a fundamental democratic right? (Details to follow)
The public having been referred to variously as riff-raff, rabble, stupid and short sighted when opposition to council decisions develops.
The Rotherham Advertiser has stepped into the fray (Councillor's rant sparks war of words) after being attacked in an email for bias and lack of rigour when reporting on council matters by Iain St John (RMBC Labour Councillor for Anston & Woodsetts Ward). Read the full text HERE. Read Peter Thirwall's reply HERE.
Doug Melloy, the Advertiser's editor, gave a wonderfully robust defence of the newspapers political stance, reporting and of the publication of letters from readers.
St John's egregious and unwarranted attack is an alarming demonstration of hubris. In his view the voters are always wrong when they wish to influence council decisions. The underlying message here illuminates the sad fact that Labour Councillors in Rotherham no longer seek to represent those who put them there.
The Rotherham Labour Group is a self-serving elite only interested in themselves.
Their organisation would be one that Stalin would have admired.
Their discipline and cohesiveness is described by some commentators as owing more to Freemasonry than to Socialism.
They are virtually devoid of real accountability even by the few Labour Party members left.
The Labour Party in Rotherham now have so few members that they can't even give us any decent candidates. Those we get are largely time-served apparatchiks with little or no ability and with the quota system it pays to be female, no brain necessary!
It is now time for Rotherham folk to stand up and be counted! We all deserve better than this!
We want councillors who will listen to us and represent our concerns properly, rather than giving craven loyalty to a party that has so badly let us down!
The public having been referred to variously as riff-raff, rabble, stupid and short sighted when opposition to council decisions develops.
The Rotherham Advertiser has stepped into the fray (Councillor's rant sparks war of words) after being attacked in an email for bias and lack of rigour when reporting on council matters by Iain St John (RMBC Labour Councillor for Anston & Woodsetts Ward). Read the full text HERE. Read Peter Thirwall's reply HERE.
Doug Melloy, the Advertiser's editor, gave a wonderfully robust defence of the newspapers political stance, reporting and of the publication of letters from readers.
St John's egregious and unwarranted attack is an alarming demonstration of hubris. In his view the voters are always wrong when they wish to influence council decisions. The underlying message here illuminates the sad fact that Labour Councillors in Rotherham no longer seek to represent those who put them there.
The Rotherham Labour Group is a self-serving elite only interested in themselves.
Their organisation would be one that Stalin would have admired.
Their discipline and cohesiveness is described by some commentators as owing more to Freemasonry than to Socialism.
They are virtually devoid of real accountability even by the few Labour Party members left.
The Labour Party in Rotherham now have so few members that they can't even give us any decent candidates. Those we get are largely time-served apparatchiks with little or no ability and with the quota system it pays to be female, no brain necessary!
It is now time for Rotherham folk to stand up and be counted! We all deserve better than this!
We want councillors who will listen to us and represent our concerns properly, rather than giving craven loyalty to a party that has so badly let us down!
Monday, 17 August 2009
Time to take stock!
It is now time to start to take stock after the longest continuous period of Labour in Government. This is an enormous task that will keep analysts and historians busy for the next fifty years or so. A few random thoughts to start with.
After 12 years of Labour Government, real anger is present amongst even the most loyal members and supporters. They feel betrayed and badly let down by a government that promised much. Why should this be?
We are in the midst of the worst economic crisis that capitalism has ever faced and this time the axe is falling much higher up in companies than hitherto. There are now at least 2.5 million out of work and it will rise rapidly in the autumn when seasonal jobs dry up. The youngest members of the workforce are also now bearing the brunt. Young people in the Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETS) category is one of the the fastest growing sectors.
The poor have got poorer under labour and the rich, richer. Surprisingly the rich have gained three ways under labour, they now get a larger slice of the national income, pay less tax and even get a bigger slice of welfare benefits than they did before labour came into power in 1997. This has had a disproportionate effect in Rotherham given the demographics. This government has actually taken from the poor and given it to the much better off, not something a labour government has ever done before. No wonder ordinary people are in such a deep despair and feel such anger and estrangement from the Party they though would help them.
We are engaged militarily in two conflicts that, with the benefit of hindsight, were ill judged and have proved far more difficult, complex and costly than imagined at the outset. Can killing people just because they don't want a western style nation state and believe in a different way of life ever be justified?
Our civil society is under threat from both domestic and foreign terrorist attack. Unlike the IRA attacks the perpetrators wish to die whilst committing these atrocities. In some areas social cohesion is under severe strain like never before, with a siege mentality developing in some communities, doing irreparable harm.
Many questions come to mind that require answers, here are a random selection of these;
What is the state of the Labour Party locally and New Labour nationally? Why is this important?
What about other political parties in Rotherham and nationally.
What has it done for the people, especially at the lower end of the income scale?
How well have our three MPs, Kevin Barron, John Healey and Denis MacShane done for Rotherham and it's people? What have they achieved, if anything, for the nation? How have they spent our money?
How well have Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council done in serving its people?
How has the Leader, Roger Stone and Cabinet members benefited the people of Rotherham?
Elections, what do the previous elections in Rotherham tell us? Can any of the Parliamentary Seats be lost by Labour? We will show Labours vulnerability in next years General and Local Elections.
Over the next few months we will explore the record of Labour in Government in some detail, hopefully to bring illumination to some dark corners. We also invite contributions from others, either in the form of comments or letters and articles.
After 12 years of Labour Government, real anger is present amongst even the most loyal members and supporters. They feel betrayed and badly let down by a government that promised much. Why should this be?
We are in the midst of the worst economic crisis that capitalism has ever faced and this time the axe is falling much higher up in companies than hitherto. There are now at least 2.5 million out of work and it will rise rapidly in the autumn when seasonal jobs dry up. The youngest members of the workforce are also now bearing the brunt. Young people in the Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEETS) category is one of the the fastest growing sectors.
The poor have got poorer under labour and the rich, richer. Surprisingly the rich have gained three ways under labour, they now get a larger slice of the national income, pay less tax and even get a bigger slice of welfare benefits than they did before labour came into power in 1997. This has had a disproportionate effect in Rotherham given the demographics. This government has actually taken from the poor and given it to the much better off, not something a labour government has ever done before. No wonder ordinary people are in such a deep despair and feel such anger and estrangement from the Party they though would help them.
We are engaged militarily in two conflicts that, with the benefit of hindsight, were ill judged and have proved far more difficult, complex and costly than imagined at the outset. Can killing people just because they don't want a western style nation state and believe in a different way of life ever be justified?
Our civil society is under threat from both domestic and foreign terrorist attack. Unlike the IRA attacks the perpetrators wish to die whilst committing these atrocities. In some areas social cohesion is under severe strain like never before, with a siege mentality developing in some communities, doing irreparable harm.
Many questions come to mind that require answers, here are a random selection of these;
What is the state of the Labour Party locally and New Labour nationally? Why is this important?
What about other political parties in Rotherham and nationally.
What has it done for the people, especially at the lower end of the income scale?
How well have our three MPs, Kevin Barron, John Healey and Denis MacShane done for Rotherham and it's people? What have they achieved, if anything, for the nation? How have they spent our money?
How well have Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council done in serving its people?
How has the Leader, Roger Stone and Cabinet members benefited the people of Rotherham?
Elections, what do the previous elections in Rotherham tell us? Can any of the Parliamentary Seats be lost by Labour? We will show Labours vulnerability in next years General and Local Elections.
Over the next few months we will explore the record of Labour in Government in some detail, hopefully to bring illumination to some dark corners. We also invite contributions from others, either in the form of comments or letters and articles.
Saturday, 15 August 2009
Council Leader forgets Senior Railcard. Shock! Horror!
A couple of weeks ago the Rotherham Advertiser published a story criticising Roger Stone for forgetting his Senior Persons Railcard and claiming back the difference. As, is often the case, Marlene 'Gob on Legs' Guest, was involved in this petty, vindictive (almost to the point of obsession) non-story.
Why? Such a usually sensible newspaper gave space to this spiteful little story is beyond me? Could it, perhaps, have anything to do with its source?
They regularly give column inches to this loathsome woman's opinions and unacceptable political views. Presumably, their defence is one of providing balance. Would they have printed Nazi propaganda during the war to provide balance, I think not!
The Advertiser should refrain from giving this odious, attention seeking seeking female, the 'oxygen of publicity' for her poisonous and pernicious views. Enough is enough! Please stop it before you do irreparable harm to community cohesion in our ethnically and culturally diverse Rotherham.
Why? Such a usually sensible newspaper gave space to this spiteful little story is beyond me? Could it, perhaps, have anything to do with its source?
They regularly give column inches to this loathsome woman's opinions and unacceptable political views. Presumably, their defence is one of providing balance. Would they have printed Nazi propaganda during the war to provide balance, I think not!
The Advertiser should refrain from giving this odious, attention seeking seeking female, the 'oxygen of publicity' for her poisonous and pernicious views. Enough is enough! Please stop it before you do irreparable harm to community cohesion in our ethnically and culturally diverse Rotherham.
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
Rotherham gives your money away again!
Rotherham Labour Council has given away £260,000 *of your money by writing off this huge sum of money due in Council Tax. This write off occurred during the 2006/7 financial year.
No doubt we will be told that this is in 'New Labour Newspeak' a small amount of money.
This cavalier attitude just adds further weight to the argument that they are just not up to the job.
Failures at this level cannot be tolerated.
Rotherham Council must get it's act together.
*Sources:
BBC
Communities
No doubt we will be told that this is in 'New Labour Newspeak' a small amount of money.
This cavalier attitude just adds further weight to the argument that they are just not up to the job.
Failures at this level cannot be tolerated.
Rotherham Council must get it's act together.
*Sources:
BBC
Communities
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Nominations Closed
Nominations for this May 1st Local elections have now closed.
The list of properly nominated candidates is available here.
Should be a few interesting contests this year by the looks of things, analysis to follow.
The list of properly nominated candidates is available here.
Should be a few interesting contests this year by the looks of things, analysis to follow.
Council wastes more of your money junketing
Our wonderful local newspaper, The Rotherham Advertiser, reports yet more waste by this council. A number,as yet unknown (we should be told), of Members and Officers attended the Local Government Chronicle Awards junket, held in the swanky Grosvenor House Hotel, London on March 17th. Menus look good and so cheap.
This annual jamboree for local government provides those attending considerable luxury and excess in an environment that would strain codes of conduct of both the Officers and Councillors present.
A cursory look at the awards given at this shindig appear to correlate as much to attendance to receive the glittering prizes as to the merits of the recipients. This is typical of this kind of 'awards ceremony' the same faces appear time after time and the getting of an award is treated as the excuse for excessive unnecessary expenditure on the delegation to collect that award.
In New Labours, New Britain, these awards have now become an industry dedicated to providing good accountancy cover for good old fashioned 'troughing'. 'Poulsonism' now entrenched and 'legal', it would appear, what a super wheeze! T Dan Smith eat your heart out!
Our money should not be wasted in this way when essential services are being ruthlessly cut or priced out of users means. This kind of junketing is intolerable and must stop!
Oh, by the way, Rotherham picked up the Joint Children Services Award - whatever that means and was a finalist in the Finance/Legal and Sustainable Environment Award category, this really increases the available opportunities to go when two Councils win an award jointly and are nominated in more than one category.
The Council themselves appear to be far from proud of this event when they bury any reference (click here) to the outer fringes of the site where no one will notice it and it took a full seven days! a whole week to massage the report to eliminate any possible embarrassing questions being asked afterwards, some hope!
Who makes the nominations for these august and prestigious awards?
They nominated themselves for these awards!
Can I begin to smell rats?
Who went?
Who and how was it paid for?
We should be told! click here
First reply, click here
This annual jamboree for local government provides those attending considerable luxury and excess in an environment that would strain codes of conduct of both the Officers and Councillors present.
A cursory look at the awards given at this shindig appear to correlate as much to attendance to receive the glittering prizes as to the merits of the recipients. This is typical of this kind of 'awards ceremony' the same faces appear time after time and the getting of an award is treated as the excuse for excessive unnecessary expenditure on the delegation to collect that award.
In New Labours, New Britain, these awards have now become an industry dedicated to providing good accountancy cover for good old fashioned 'troughing'. 'Poulsonism' now entrenched and 'legal', it would appear, what a super wheeze! T Dan Smith eat your heart out!
Our money should not be wasted in this way when essential services are being ruthlessly cut or priced out of users means. This kind of junketing is intolerable and must stop!
Oh, by the way, Rotherham picked up the Joint Children Services Award - whatever that means and was a finalist in the Finance/Legal and Sustainable Environment Award category, this really increases the available opportunities to go when two Councils win an award jointly and are nominated in more than one category.
The Council themselves appear to be far from proud of this event when they bury any reference (click here) to the outer fringes of the site where no one will notice it and it took a full seven days! a whole week to massage the report to eliminate any possible embarrassing questions being asked afterwards, some hope!
Who makes the nominations for these august and prestigious awards?
They nominated themselves for these awards!
Can I begin to smell rats?
Who went?
Who and how was it paid for?
We should be told! click here
First reply, click here
Thursday, 27 March 2008
MacShane PFIM No 2
The current (for how long we wonder?) Rotherham MP Denis MacShane does it again bigstyle.
Being exposed as an islamaphobe cannot be a good career move for him when his constituency has many of Rotherhams Moslems living in it. No small wonder his support has collapsed recently, at the last election thousands of loyal labour voters stayed at home rather than vote for this arrogant, self absorbed boor. He is an accomplished writer and self publicist with the unfortunate ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, this is a perfect example of this phenomenon.
In 2003 MacShane delivered a speech in Rotherham in which he said:
"It is time for the elected and community leaders of the British Muslims to make a choice – the British way, based on political dialogue and non-violent protests, or the way of the terrorists, against which the whole democratic world is uniting."
The Guardian article explains.
Angered, local members proposed a motion calling for him to go in the following terms which was was carried at a meeting of the Rotherham constituency Labour Party.
"Denis MacShane is inciting racial and religious hatred, by publicly implying in the press that the Muslim community elected members and leaders are in favour of terrorism and being anti-British.
"We feel these comments are ill-informed, designed to portray us in the media as conspiring against the state. The Nazis in world war two similarly accused the Jews, disputing their patriotism, which was so well executed that it led to what we now know as the Holocaust."
Councillor Jahangir Akhtar said Mr MacShane's claim to have local support for his comments was "absolutely disgraceful","I don't think this is going to blow over. We have been put in the position of having to defend ourselves," he said.
Councillor Mahroof Rashid said: "Feelings in Rotherham are very highly charged indeed."
Aafreen Khan, of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, said Mr MacShane was a "blatant Islamophobe" and should not stay in his post.
His attempts to apologise were rejected by The Muslim News Click Here.
Being exposed as an islamaphobe cannot be a good career move for him when his constituency has many of Rotherhams Moslems living in it. No small wonder his support has collapsed recently, at the last election thousands of loyal labour voters stayed at home rather than vote for this arrogant, self absorbed boor. He is an accomplished writer and self publicist with the unfortunate ability to say the wrong thing at the wrong time, this is a perfect example of this phenomenon.
In 2003 MacShane delivered a speech in Rotherham in which he said:
"It is time for the elected and community leaders of the British Muslims to make a choice – the British way, based on political dialogue and non-violent protests, or the way of the terrorists, against which the whole democratic world is uniting."
The Guardian article explains.
Angered, local members proposed a motion calling for him to go in the following terms which was was carried at a meeting of the Rotherham constituency Labour Party.
"Denis MacShane is inciting racial and religious hatred, by publicly implying in the press that the Muslim community elected members and leaders are in favour of terrorism and being anti-British.
"We feel these comments are ill-informed, designed to portray us in the media as conspiring against the state. The Nazis in world war two similarly accused the Jews, disputing their patriotism, which was so well executed that it led to what we now know as the Holocaust."
Councillor Jahangir Akhtar said Mr MacShane's claim to have local support for his comments was "absolutely disgraceful","I don't think this is going to blow over. We have been put in the position of having to defend ourselves," he said.
Councillor Mahroof Rashid said: "Feelings in Rotherham are very highly charged indeed."
Aafreen Khan, of the Muslim Public Affairs Committee, said Mr MacShane was a "blatant Islamophobe" and should not stay in his post.
His attempts to apologise were rejected by The Muslim News Click Here.
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Rotherham Local Elections May 1st 2008
The Starting Gun for the Local Elections in Rotherham goes off on Thursday 27th March.
Prospective candidates may collect their nomination papers from this date from the Elections Office in the Civic Building, Walker Place.
It is best to phone first to ensure that you won't get killed in the rush 01709 823590 will get you through.
Remember to check the election timetable (get a copy here) to make absolutely sure you keep within all deadlines - you won't get any bending of these rules.
Completed nomination papers must be returned by noon on Friday April 4th.
Don't forget to collect your copies of the electoral role and read the candidates notes very carefully they can be a minefield for the inexperienced.
Election Law can be somewhat arcane, the rules on treating are particularly complex as are the accounting for your costs after the election.
Best wishes to all candidates in this years elections.
Prospective candidates may collect their nomination papers from this date from the Elections Office in the Civic Building, Walker Place.
It is best to phone first to ensure that you won't get killed in the rush 01709 823590 will get you through.
Remember to check the election timetable (get a copy here) to make absolutely sure you keep within all deadlines - you won't get any bending of these rules.
Completed nomination papers must be returned by noon on Friday April 4th.
Don't forget to collect your copies of the electoral role and read the candidates notes very carefully they can be a minefield for the inexperienced.
Election Law can be somewhat arcane, the rules on treating are particularly complex as are the accounting for your costs after the election.
Best wishes to all candidates in this years elections.
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