Thursday, March 13, 2008

More Chiefs, Fewer Indians

by Isle of Thanet Gazunder Local Government Correspondent Wynan Dinem

Thanet Council is set to create two new Deputy Chief Executive posts, whilst axing other essential jobs throughout the organisation.

The news comes in a consultation letter to staff from Chief Executive Richard Samuel, which has been seen by the Gazunder. Recently the council reduced the number of senior officers from three to two, following what was rumoured to be a six figure pay-off after an embarrassing and highly publicised 'chocolate fountain debacle'. Now the two remaining senior officers look set to be rewarded for such successes as the Thanet Gateway One Stop Benefits Library in Cecil Square, and the creation of new Blue Flag beaches in Ramsgate Harbour.

The council also proposes to give Heads of Services the opportunity to enhance their salaries by being promoted to a new 'Chief Executive's Group', providing they meet certain service level criteria.

One insider commented: 'These proposals look like rewarding failure if you ask me. The council was recently rated a poor 'fair', with financial services given a 'weak'. Yet fewer than 1% of the council's 750 staff were awarded a less than 'satisfactory' appraisal last year, and now senior staff look set to get pay rises. Does that really reflect local people's experience of dealing with TDC?'

Last month Thanet announced an inflation busting 4.5% hike in council tax.

Note to subs: Should put balancing comment from council here but council chief on sick leave so went down pub instead - Wynan

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

If all employees had to work in the commercial world before entering council service they might understand better the irritation every one feels at the waste of money by any council and indeed government.

Michael Child said...

Richard a little ray of hope for you, there is a dredger working on the Royal Harbour Sands.

Anonymous said...

Michael. does that mean Ramsgate is going to lose its latest beach?

Anonymous said...

... and there was me hoping we could apply for a 'Blue Flag' award for the new beach.

I guess its too late now ...

Fred

Anonymous said...

On the subject of sand, was in Broadstairs today and if sand keeps building up alongside the harbour wall,there will be no need for a ramp any more. Shouldn't Viking Bay get some treatment to remove excess deposits of sand?

Don Wood said...

Next time you leave your post and retreat to the pub invite the rest of us we could break into the interest that million zimbwe dollars is accrueing.I hope you have it split between many different banks

Anonymous said...

axe TDC...
get rid of ALL the parasites.
Start taxing the rich shit bags again.

Anonymous said...

Can Cameron & Clegg get rid of these overpaid leeches who merely exist to suck the financial blood from Council taxpayers I wonder?