Where's the Money ..Continued

Wednesday morning, with a number of others sat on the Local Economy scrutiny meeting.

Number of themes, plans to review.

The key agenda item was about the internal reorganisation of the workforce which is in process. The objectives and actions are starting to make more and more sense as Wakefield applies its Worksmart process. Wins should include responsiveness, in some cases easier access to services and reduced travel by council employees. However it remains to be seen whether these much vaunted objectives are met.

One other benefit that was mentioned was a potential financial saving of £1.5m, sounds good, we need it.

Over recent weeks the council has agreed an alleged six figure sum as a payout to a group of care workers who were dismissed when they raised concerns about issues in a local care home. The payout was a pre-tribunal settlement and the view of many is that it was actioned to save face and to avoid a judgement against the council.

Another bit of the saving presumably will go as part of the settlement to the Chief Executive who is moving on, he was brought in as a special measure to help what was a failing council get its act together, during his time numerous awards have flowed our way because now the council knows how to tick the boxes.

The Council tax bill will be up again when it drops through the door next year.