Freedom of Information Act Requests (Bracknell Liberal Democrats)

Bracknell Liberal Democrats <info@bracknelllibdems.org.uk>

Freedom of Information Act Requests

August 31, 2010 12:26 PM

Cllr Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, clearly resents having to meet the growing cost of meeting requests for council information under the Freedom of Information Act (FoI). May be if this information was more readily available, as much of it should be, it would be less of a problem!

The cost of meeting such requests is nothing compared to the sums the council has arguably wasted under his leadership. Members' allowances have gone through the roof, the ubiquitous Smartcard has cost millions, the ailing town centre redevelopment programme has cost millions more and to top it all, the loss of £5million in two failed Icelandic banks still remains outstanding.

Despite the ever-growing pressure on resources and the worst economic crisis since WW2, the council has also continued to grow. The number of full time equivalent staff (excluding school staff) has increased to nearly 1500 and more than 65 staff now earn over £50,000 a year. In addition the council continues to rely on the excessive use of consultants and agency staff which cost the council over £5million a year.

Cllr Bettison justifies these salaries and other operating costs on the basis that 'if you want the best you have to pay for it'. Now where have we heard that before!

Ray Earwicker

Former Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate for