KENT WATCH - Taxing questions for Kent's Tories and what else is being hidden?

Not having time to blog having other fish to fry, as it were, I just thought that these following stories from professional sources might well provide, interesting reading.

This one for instance I assume, will not just trouble conservatives but councillors from all parties particularly those living some distance from Maidstone, it seems that in tax terms, councillors are easy pickings for HMRC who are seeking to get back taxes, for travel expenses, it's been well documented that senior tax officials are happy to accept hospitality, from large corporations, who are even more happy to rob the British economy of billions, for the price of a meal, in a swish restaurant rather than stump up tax due. 

For mere mortals which includes Kent's councillors, along with you and I, businesses outside the multi-national league, who cannot afford lavish hospitality or employ armies of Tax experts and lawyers, HMRC are happy to act tough and pick off easy targets, unlike the alleged actions in writing off many millions owed to the nation by companies like vodaphone.

On a similar topic, this story concerning,  Deputy Leader of Kent Council Alex King, also highlights, travel in this case, the use of a tax payer funded chauffeur driven car (15 times in a year) to take the deputy to his exclusive London Club, outrageous you might think, however I'm sure, once you understand that these trips were council business, and that lobbying guru Douglas Smith is also a member of the club and a close friend of Alex King, you'll be assuaged of any thoughts of inappropriate use of your council tax.

Finally to round up, I suggest that you read this article, which delves into the spending by KCC of £394,000 on lobbying firms, (these are the mysterious companies which communicate with politicians to sway government policy) anyhow interestingly, assuming you don't have the energy to click the link above, here's a couple key points KCC paid out £394,000 in  an eleven year period to companies founded by Douglas Smith, a friend of Cllr Alex King and the former chief executive of the council (when they still had such a post) Peter Gilroy is reported to have "said he cancelled a standing contract with Westminster Advisers because he felt it "could be seen as inappropriate". Surely not!  

PS I've always been of the view that Kent Council has misspent your council tax on PR, it's been a regular item on the agenda here at Bignews Margate, particular concern is the way the councils press department has often avoided engaging openly to explain our local government,  perhaps a final story, which once again highlights the secretive nature of Kent Council is this one basically it refers to the case of Jane Clarke, who as former head of communications at KCC, found it necessary to take the authority to an employment tribunal for unfair dismissal. Ironically once again a former employee (this time a communications expert)  has agreed a confidential settlement and we the taxpayers are left wondering what KCC couldn't allow us the taxpayer to know.

Of course Conservative councillors will no doubt sight confidentiality and all that, as a reason, for doing yet another secret deal with a former employee but what conclusion can we the public draw other than the former communications director was unfairly dismissed, or why else would the council be giving our money away, and further we can all be forgiven for thinking just what are the conservative administration hiding?

I think the public interest outweighs any need for confidentiality in this last matter, clearly the former employee accepted that her claim for unfair dismissal would find its way into the public domain, during a tribunal, so what possble reason could there be for confidentiality, other than hiding some embarrassment to Kent's Conservative council.

Where's my vote? - Scots dictate my future, why?

I've had a little break from blogging and apart from yesterdays post on Turner, a few things have rattling around the fairly insignificant Flaig brain as subjects fit for discussion, honesty or lack of it has been mooted by acedemics and rather cheekily in my opinion by David Harnett boss of HMRC complaining about tax evasion when as I understand he allowed Vodafone and Goldman Sachs to side step billions in tax payments, another worry is continued British involvement in Afganistan supporting a corrupt government, fighting a barbaric opposition and with all this going on a country where primitive pea brained religious leaders imprison victims of rape apparently backed by a hostile Pakistan, still with all that, the subject which gives me most cause for concern is Scottish voters and politicians running roughshod over the democratic rights of the majority of British people.

Some time ago I predicted the break up, of the United Kingdom and now it looks to me as if within the next Ten years it will be game over for the British Nation. Now I don't have any particular grievance against Scotland or it's people, however I do object to, preferential treatment given to fellow British citizens, some of you will recall how Labour sold out England when devolving power to Scotland and Wales, for some reason Labour didn't think it necessary to allow for equality, so we have a situation where regional decisions concerning England can well be decided by Scots MP's which explains why English students pay tuition fees and Scots don't likewise with prescription fees and care for the elderly.

How Blair and Brown justified devolved government excluding England has slipped my mind or why it didn't provoke outrage in England at the time, still it's pretty much a fait accompli, I'm sure if lose weight adopt a healthy lifestyle I shall live long enough to say I told you so.

Labour were very much polished in the use or rather misuse of language, for propaganda purposes at the time Blair and Brown were encouraging the break up of the United Kingdom, much play was made of English "Regional Assemblys" to pervert the inclination of English people asking for an equivalent devolved English Parliament, however even this bone was eventually withdrawn.

So where do we stand more than 10 years on from the first meeting of the Scottish Parliament, well if your Scottish not bad, chances are you've got a cushty, job courtesy of the British taxpayer, and the satisfaction of after years of blaming the English, you currently have the upper hand.

I find being English that whether I want to or not, I feel somehow responsible for past sins of Britain, whether it's engineering the Irish potato famine, Scottish land clearances  or colonisation of much of the globe, despite the reality that those responsible were as always the minority wealthy governing classes.

To summarise, I feel it's time we all took a reality check about honesty, morality Britain, as I pontificate, the United Kingdom is lets face run from the top down by cretinous politicians and supported by a bent press, rotten to the core, big business evades billions of tax, and overpaid half wits at HMRC expect us to pick up the tab, worst still  although the UK has less influence than at anytime in it's history, a worrying number of this country's citizens are bent on attacking fellow countrymen and British service personnel are put at risk for what, in Afghanistan.

On the later point I'd like to see the government withdraw British forces today and instead educate communities susceptible to hostile views of anti western terrorists, of the liberties, freedoms, tolerance, equality and dare I say once acceptable customs of this nation, still I didn't mention democracy since it's the case, that Labour despite using that solid sounding term "stakeholder" often referring to the likes of you and me, have disbarred English residents from having a say on the future of the United Kingdom, the only ones who count are those residing in Scotland, since they get to vote, and you and I don't.

Even the thought of not having to see a smug Alex Salmond, explain how his dynamic Scottish economy is flourishing without mentioning the huge subsidy by British (English taxpayers) is quite a bonus but the price for both Scotland and England is I think too much, still what I think doesn't count does it.

PS I've probably overstepped the mark and I suspect that a few will have me down as a nut, something that might well be, still, my generation grew up in a time when free speech was more so than it is today. We live in a world today where sadly you cannot upset anybody and where the rich can without cause easily silence free speech with a bent lawyer.

Don’t you just wish Christmas started later!

Is there anything more irritating than that first Christmas reference, the inappropriate advert in September, “seasonal merchandise” in shops in October and flipping mince pies in early November, or worse still cynical mentions by er…..;-) well anyway its out there I see Simon Moores, is worried that he might overlook someone, me (Billy no mates) I have no such concerns I just hope, I manage to navigate my way through Christmas and out the other side without offending more than usual although it’s a policy of mine, not to ingratiate myself with anyone just, my honest views, some get it some don’t.

Not being a christian, other than by birth, schooling and perhaps in a future deathbed, born again sort of scenario, I have to say that I don’t think you can beat mainstream Christianity for laying on a good excuse for the British population, to eat drink and lounge about for two weeks each winter, more exotic religions seem to have a contempt for fun and humanity in general.

So far, Christmas has yet to manifest itself here at Flaig Mansions, although no doubt any day now, Mrs Me will either be ordering me into the loft to retrieve tinsel tat, untangle lights, assemble Christmas Trees a particular favourite of mine, especially last years Marks & Sparks one, which after I checked the price, provoked a brisk conversation along the lines of how flippin much, creating an atmosphere almost as chilly as last years rather arctic blast.

Anyhow there should be no further upsets over trees, as apparently last years will last years, I’m semi convinced although the attic contains a forest of trees from the last thirty years or so.

Enjoy Christmas, it’s one of those defining things, that makes us British, I’m sure whether you’re a christian or not, the legacy of freedom, decency, justice, humanity and honesty is worth celebrating, certainly preferable those alternatives with dubious attitudes to women and humanity in general.

Still as glib as I might seem I always look forward to being able to listen to Kirsty Macoll and the Pogues, Fairytale of New York, and it’s one piece of music I mentioned before (2007), I hate being mucked about with as I think Tesco’s current TV ads have done, anyway enjoy Christmas.

****UPDATE FROM MRS ME *****

Mrs Me having just read this post would like me to correct “This load of B*ll*cks!” pointing out that last years Decs “have yet to reach the Flipping attic!” adding something like “is this the sort of Sh…………………………….” you write, Ouch! and er yes as it happens,

Before things turn too ugly I’m off to Tesco’s for veg!

Would you trust Murdoch's Sun on Press Freedom?

I guess you probably wouldn't, however reading this report on the Sun's website, it appears that Sun journalist who just like their former colleagues at the News of the World have bills to pay, have struck lucky finding someone who seems to hold an honest belief that celebrities have hijacked the Leveson Inquiry into the press which focuses in part on some of the criminality of the popular press.


Certainly casual observers like myself of the inquiry, so far, would have noted the appearance of celebrities, but then equally powerful images, have been those of the mother of Milly Dowler, the McCanns, or Mary-Ellen Field personal adviser of Elle Macpherson sacked from her job because nobody realised that newspapers publishers were routinely involved in criminal activities to get stories.


Celebrities perhaps are fair game for newspapers but phone hacking, stalking etc are unreasonable, clearly the Sun is looking after, what it sees as its interests, although its difficult to view the story I mentioned as anything else other than an attempt to sway opinion.

As for celebrities what are we actually talking about, normal people who've got a talent, done something extraordinary or worked hard, maybe people like author J K Rowling, who's had protect her children from "journalist" who've stalked her and her children, a clear of abuse.

For myself I'd like to know when if ever the police will be interviewing senior executives of News International such as the Murdoch's I know its difficult to imagine major shareholder holders would show any interest in how their flagship business the now defunct News of the World beat the competition to some many stories. but who knows.

It's no surprise that a business that has show such a blatant disregard for decency and respect for individuals will cluch at an angle it can to support what I guess most of us see as a sleazy and dirty business.

Just what the answer is to dealing with the slimy rascals who pervert normal standards of decency in the pursuit of titillating the public with stories of human frailty, is something I don't know but if recent history is anythng is to go by cetainly, publishers and journalists are the last people to be trusted or regulate bent news media.

Finally when are we to see politicians in the dock over their relationships with newspaper owners, perhaps Blair, Cameron, Brown have some explaining to do, I understand that John Major was one of the few senior political figures not to jump when Rupert was in town, still look what happened to him.

Oxford City Council - Jobsworths gone crazy?

I know people think I have downer on local authorities, and local government "officers" and God knows we've seen some extremes locally at both district and county level but blimey, it's looks like Oxford city council have elevated themselves to a new high in terms of well, either righteous regulation, stupidity or contempt for privacy and civil liberties. 

In the unlikely event that this hasn't cropped up on your news radar, Oxford's city council, has decided to insist that all taxis must be fitted with CCTV or what most of us would view as spy cameras recording, what would otherwise be private conversations, read this report in the Mirror, if your unfamiliar.

Still it seems that Oxford City council publicrats are, defiant in the face of mix of astonishment, incredulity,  and outrage at the casual way the Oxford City council presumably advised by "officers" have decided to treat this invasion of privacy which what appears that contemptible "we know best attitude" common in the public sector.

Here's some excerpts from their recent statement on the matter ""Most licensed vehicles will only require one camera positioned above the rear view mirror, however larger vehicles (such as people carriers) may require an additional camera to ensure that the whole of the vehicle interior is viewable. Only one?

“Oxford City Council considers that so long as clear notices are provided in vehicles which inform passengers that video and audio recording may be taking place, the risk of intrusion is acceptable  I suppose the like Stazi in the old East Germany.

Anyway of if you'd like to read Oxford City's view and make you mind up as to whether they are bonkers or what?

My advice is simple this, if you value your privacy and freedom Keep away from Oxford City, if you know whats good for you.

Thanet Council - Morality check - China Gateway

Pleasing as it was to see Thanet Council, take a principled stand on animal welfare recently, I would just like to see whether they might like to consider the plight of victims of China's occupation of Tibet. Since tonight councillors will be consider once again the China Gateway proposals and I appreciate this has nothing the Chinese government, however I think it might be an apt topic for TDC to consider some time soon. 

Knowing that China has an abysmal record over the years of human rights, anything from imprisonment to murder, would the council perhaps convey the sentiment that the people of Thanet, would wish to have nothing to do with any Chinese officialdom, perhaps ruling out an future unseemly  shinanagins with councillors and officers fawning over official representatives of Chinese government.

In the meantime readers might like to sign this petition appealing for help from the international community to stand up to barbaric treatment from the Chinese government. If you've signed the petition TDC promoted on  the recent animal welfare issue, I'm sure that you'll agree this is, since it concern our fellow humans as worthy  if not more so.

Perhaps given the connotations of China's reputation for human rights and er cyber attacks on this country and others,  the developers could rename the proposed development.

Post Number 1501 Is there anything left to say?

Yes plenty, I just notice that according to Blogger Dashboard, my last posting was number 1500, after estimating a word count at around 675,000 or the hours 2250 consumed (since starting) assuming I spend an hour and a half on each “masterpiece”.

Of course a rational appraisal of all this might, suggests an obsessive personality, who in their right mind would devote 90 plus days of their last five years to blogging, well in my defence I’m not a train spotter, and I don’t go fishing (why spend hours getting cold and wet when you can go to Tesco’s).

I’m surprised, people read this stuff, I read blogs myself sometimes for information, news, and occasionally entertainment but mostly to see how I compare and whether there is anything worth filching  learning, from others.

If you are a serious consumer of news media, one thing you will note is how much professional journalists have in common with sheep, they talk and think in clichés, an example, in live broadcast news, reporters and news presenter/anchor, act like vacuous idiots, time is wasted as  exchange pleasantries followed by repeating and agreeing to whatever the each other have to say.

Anyhow I like to say what I want, when I want, not always appreciated, KCC certainly don’t like it, TDC aren’t to keen, politicians get particularly offended, Labour don’t like it when you point out how they deserted their traditional supporters, Conservatives don’t like it when you point out the disgraceful waste of your money in Kent.

Currently one particular bee in my bonnet, is the seemingly casual interpretation of what constitutes legitimate use of taxpayer money of course we are use to MP’s helping themselves to liberal amounts of hospitality and expenses but then there are those other niggling little issues, things like Kent Police Authority who currently appear to be supporting a political campaign against government policy or similarly Citizens Advice Bureau locally seems to be proactive in supporting one particularly councillor.

I appreciate that few would spend as much time as I and given the limits of english resulting in part from Kent’s abysmal secondary education and I suppose my own shortcomings. Still I feel my time better spent on this than vegetating in front of the warm glow of the telly.

So what’s left without wishing to encourage the cranks, there are many things which are kept out of mainstreams of media, politics in Kent is very poorly reported by the State Broadcaster BBC, and issues such as the right of Palestine to be recognised by the UN are dealt with in a very biased way.

Blogging is not without risk, and sometimes I think, don’t do it, I rarely resist pressing the publish button, if it’s honest truthful, why not, of course the why not, comes in when say a company, working on behalf of KCC sends you letter, claiming you’ve defamed them. This might explain that as well 1501 published postings there are another 39 sort of pending.

Without appealing to cranks, it is certainly the case that there exists an “establishment”  who are more than prepared to use and abuse the positions.

Till next time.

KM Group's Takeover bid - Update on Politicians Views

Firstly an apology, to Roger Gale MP, last week I stated that the MP for Thanet North had not responded to my communication concerning the likely takeover by the Kent Messenger Group of Northcliffe Media's Kent newspaper which include Thanet's Gazette and Times.

Looking through my bills and junk mail this morning, I came across a letter addressed to me on House of Commons stationary dated 2/08/11 I'm not sure when this arrived but it's likely that it came before my last posting on this subject.

The expectation that Roger Gale MP would offer some crumbs of comfort, perhaps an impassioned plea to maintain local media diversity has resulted in me feeling a bit disappointed and I don't share his glib view but anyhow.

I hope the Office of Fair Trade will not just allow a monopoly to be created, Kent Messenger Group may well have served the county well but certainly not this part of East Kent and certainly not with the meagre offerings from the Thanet Extra of late.

Still we shouldn't necessarily take a glib view on these things, just now Thanet Council and Tesco have had the plans for an incongruous superstore derailed by Arlington residents and good thing too, in just what crazy world, would you want Tesco's as the back drop to an afternoon at the sea side.

Hopefully ordinary peoples view will be taken into account a little more often, given the hostility by residents, it was extraordinary that Cllr Jack Cohen recently used his casting vote to progress Tesco's plans but then as  I understand he lives in Birchington.

We are all part of the "Big Society" (its not some creation for Tory busy bodies) if you want to influence things make your voice known, down just let your politicos take the easy route, get involved.

No News is Bad News from Kent Messenger Group

Watching tonight's South East Today, news comes that the KM group, publishers of the flimsy Thanet Extra,  are in the process of acquiring seven papers from Northcliffe Media, the seven papers of the Kent Regional News and Media group include The Isle of Thanet Gazette, Thanet Times, Herne Bay & Whitstable Times.

I imagine that this, is about as much a done deal, as is possible, for this reason KM Group have apparently informed the Office of Fair Trading, who will be going through the motions, of considering the deal, whether this effects competition, is it in the interest of the consumer and all that malarkey, surprisingly neither companies web sites seem to report the issue.

Still the Press Gazette naturally have a full report click here.

Whatever you think of the Gazette (Isle of Thanet) it has usually given us a professional product over the years, and is certainly the local paper with the most original content, at this point in time.

This will have been a bad news day for East Kent, if KM Group were to absorb the area's papers into their Extra format. The thing is, you and I wont be consulted, the OFT will do their stuff, read the KM Groups submission and ink up the rubber stamp, and Kerching ! the end of an era.

Still maybe KM Group will consult us the public with their plans.

I know KM Group produce a professional product and no doubt are doing what they have to, in a tough market, as I assume is the case with Northcliffe Media, I hope that this doesn't mean less news and less scrutiny of local issues or fewer journalists.

I suppose on the plus side Thanet Council will be able to stumble from cock-up to crisis and nobody will ever need know in the future.

Still at present Bignews Margate blog will maintain editorial integrity and independence for a while longer unless Thanet Life wants to make a big money offer for Margate's favourite blog!

Tory Councillor uses inventive style to support Censorship @ Thanet Council

An old trick in the black arts of propaganda or sales, is to take an issue or objection, and manipulate it, slightly, I for instance have pointed out, that the councils decision not too respond to enquires, I might make, in the process of constructing posts, for this blog is political censorship. 

To explain what I mean, take this twaddle as a prime example from a Tory councillor's blog, "For the benefit of at least one local blogger, who insists, with a complete disregard for the facts, that the local council is 'censoring' its news releases, here's a link to Thanet District Council's Twitter feed, which pushes these out to the public as they appear.

Now the author might have made an innocent errorr ;-) or is manipulating the reality, anyhow I'm arrogant enough to assume by "local blogger", it might mean me, now whilst I have highlighted the refusal to deal with my enquires as being censorship, which it is, the composer in the example refers to the "fact" he claims that "one local blogger", insists TDC is " 'censoring' its news releases, although the decision of the Press Office to no longer send email Press Releases to bloggers, whilst laughable (the reasons of cost saving), is hardly censorship, just stupid, however  what is censorship, is the decision to automatically discriminate against bloggers.

The example of course comes from Cllr. Simon Moores, who in my view denigrates the role played by bloggers, like myself and others, which compliments and extends the reporting of local government, which is erratically covered by local newspapers like the Gazette, KM Thanet Extra.

The irony of this, whilst Conservative Thanet Council has implemented it's policy of censorship, probably the most frequent readers of this trash ( I refer to my contributions) are councillors themselves, from both sides.

Come on Simon, try and be accurate and concise, say what you mean, which local blogger?   who insists?  what facts?  or is it just propaganda?

Thanet council have constructed an arbitrary interpretation of what constitutes the media, I have contacted the press office on maybe a dozen occasions, posted hundreds of times, over years, with many thousands of page views. I think Moores has tried to paint a picture of blogger's endlessly harassing the council staff, I can only speak for myself but I doubt that's true either.

Did Chief Exec receive 30 K for Election– Thanet Council refuse to answer

I've heard several rumours that allege the recently retiring chief executive of Thanet council was paid anything between 30-50,000 for acting as the returning officer, in the May local council elections.

Now due to the irresponsible action to Thanet Council, whereas in the past I could ring the council and enquire, for clarification or correction to a rumour, this is now blocked by the council.

This afternoon I contacted TDC's democratic & electoral services, eventually an officer spoke to me but not knowing the answer, referred as I understand to TDC's communications department, which now administers the conservatives councils blunt censorship of media.

I didn't expect, an answer necessarily immediately but I'm told I will have to put in a Freedom of Information enquiry.

I spoke to one Conservative Cllr at the time TDC introduced their policy of refusing to allow people like me (Non Conservative) to use the council Press Office, and was told that I could still speak to officers, if my conversation today is anything to go on clearly I cannot.

Councillors in the Conservative party have long tried to restrict bloggers, its a stupid obsession, as someone who takes a responsible line, without hiding behind a pseudonym, I am no longer able to correct such a rumour as above.

I always thought that the senior officer of the local council acted as returning officer during elections as part of normal local government duties, still having read this story about the former Chief officer for Kent council, I feel these things need investigating.

Perhaps one enquiry I should make, is whether the councils newly appointed chief executive, has checked on the legal implications of press discrimination.

I wonder if it's time to recall Sandy Ezekiel as Leader of the council at least he has a bit of savvy.

If you object to Murdoch's Media Takeover

Frankly I never have understood how or why Rupert Murdoch's media operation was ever allowed to reach such dominance. For me it's a question of national security to have a press not dominated by a single foreign owner, who presumably has no loyalty or connection to our nation its laws or democracy.

The emerging scope of the News of the World's techniques in news gathering are a clear indication that we should. as a nation, consider whether we ought to be more circumspect.

Any how if you follow this link too Avaaz.org an organisation about people power, you will find help in registering your objection.

Why we are here?

In my case despite being hampered by a lack of ability and a poor education as provided by Kent Council, I still have an urge to express myself and question how and why things happen.

Now if you take a gander at the preceding post, you'll see there is a bit of a kerfuffle concerning a rather dubious cost cutting measure which involves TDC deciding not to send me and my ilk anymore emails from their Press Office, also should I be cheeky enough to ask for information, they will be rather silly and treat these as Freedom Of Information FOI requests.

Now the reason given was cost cutting, and of course, this has probably worried up a lot correspondence including the rather pointless email, which kicked this off, which has cost more money than had they not bothered.

Still never one to resist the urge to look in command and fully briefed, along comes Cllr Simon Moores, who of course cannot also resist the urge to look mature and grown up, arguing fiercely for what many would consider a repressive and ultimately doomed move.

Simons latest blog posting I view as a Daily Mail sort of style, innuendo,  twaddle and codswallop  he opens with  this broadside "Overnight I see that two of our better known local weblogs or should I say 'surviving' bloggers are making a fuss..." OH Gosh! (Me)

He loads more ammo "Thanet Online to  announce " A war on prominent Blogs" and Big News* Margate to howl 'conspiracy' from the rooftops, with his dramatic headline 'Thanet council discriminates against free press." NO Please Stop (Me)

Relentlessly he pushes home his attack "It's all a bit pathetic really! I"    Ouch that really hurt! ( Me)

Moores without mercy throws caution to the wind and goes for the throat "...at least two of the more popular (referring to weblogs), believe that they should receive special treatment and be regarded on the same basis as the Thanet Gazette or the BBC with a right to pester the council press team for information but without having to abide by the same news protocols and code of conduct that governs the press.

I just hope Moores doesn't think he is referring to me, which I take to be inferred  in that last comment, because clearly he is mistaken, I just expect to be treated equally, my readers of whom he is one, pay their taxes and expect accountability and don't expect to be excluded.

If councillor Moores is suggesting that I intend to pester the council press team, I considered that a gross insult and expect him to clarify or withdrawn his rude comment and adhere to codes of conduct he so frequently refers.

Finally Bloggers are subject to the law as much as any newspaper or media outlet.

PS All this is a distraction, there are bigger fish to fry, and in defence of those frontline officers who are committed to a public service ethos, information will naturally flow, currently Tesco is on the agenda tomorrow so lets hope the council gets it right and protects local interests, KCC still have to confirm the state of the review in to the Child Services failure and of course this weekend is the Big Event Yippee!

*Simon It's Bignews Margate (still was that one of your professions Teaching) it's at the top of the page, tut. tut.

Thanet council discriminates against free press

You have to admire the depths local government members and officers will sink to, in the approach they have toward "media".

Still the latest creation of that inventive mind, that officers have, is that from now on, they will no longer email  press releases, to those they consider not to be "mainstream" news outlets, quite how they interpret this is simple, organisations that are likely to at some time receive income in the form of advertising from the council will get preferential treatment.

Now in itself this is not a big deal, as they informed me, the information will be available via their RSS feed, so no big loss, however this is the sinister bit "If you have any requests for information in the future, please could you send these through tofoi@thanet.gov.uk as any enquiries sent through to the press office in the future will be sent on to this address for actioning.

Local tory councillors have suggested in the past, that bloggers are irresponsible, which in the main is just an untrue slur, I know that I have in the past contacted the council for clarification, before "going off on one", and have sometimes modified my comment accordingly.

I can understand how inconvenient it must be to have elements of the media, who write purely to enlighten themselves and others into the machinations of local government.

Times have moved on, still what can we do if officers of Thanet District Council get into their heads that their are two truths, two sets of media, however the reality is this newspapers and broadcasters are losing journalists everyday, I'd take a guess that with the exception of the Isle of Thanet Gazette & Thanet Times, other newspapers have less political coverage than several of the local bloggers.

Of course the stupidity of this is that it cost nothing to send an email to one recipient in time or money as it would to a million.

Anyway have a gander while you still can.

subject
TDC Press Release Mailing List

As you will no doubt be aware, local government in line with the rest of the public sector, is experiencing tough times and resources are becoming increasingly scarce. Thanet District Council is no exception to this. As a result, the council has been looking carefully at how all its resources are used. Following a review of the service offered by the council's Press Office, it has been agreed that we will be changing our approach in the future to concentrate our resources on the mainstream media.


We are contacting you as you are on the council's current mailing list for press releases. This was set up some time ago, when the e-mail list was the only way to subscribe to receive the council's press releases. This is no longer the case, as the council now has an RSS news feed available for people to sign up to as well as regular updates to press releases published on the TDC Website. Since the RSS feed was first introduced, we have been pointing people towards this and the website, rather than adding them to our e-mail group for press releases.


In light of this, we have reviewed the people that our press releases are being distributed to and, with the availability of RSS feeds, we are now reducing this list to cover mainstream newspapers, radio and TV only, in line with our new approach. As a result, we will be shortly removing you from the press release mailing list.


If you would like to continue to receive our press releases, you can subscribe to our RSS news feed by visiting: http://www.thanet.gov.uk/feeds/tdcnews.aspx

For any additional help with how to do this, please visit: http://www.thanet.gov.uk/advice__benefits/help_using_this_website/RSS_Feeds.aspx

Our latest press releases can all be found at:
http://www.thanet.gov.uk/news/latest_press_releases.aspx
If you have any requests for information in the future, please could you send these through tofoi@thanet.gov.uk as any enquiries sent through to the press office in the future will be sent on to this address for actioning.

Kind regards,
Justine
Justine Wingate
Corporate Information & Communications Manager
Business Services
Thanet District Council
PS I thought I'd check this out, the ensuing phone call took around 18 minutes, a call that would not have taken place or wasted "officer time" were the council not being so petty! 

Thank you twitter, the rich and famous have just become a bit more equal

I believe in equality, fairness and honesty and so do the majority of British people not words I necessarily associate with some sections of the legal industry.

 

Its the case that we expect not just as a right but a matter of course, that should we be physically attacked, that the law, as enforce by the police and judged by the courts will treated pretty much, similarly irrespective of position or wealth.

 

Of course when it comes to reputations, there is no facade of equality, if you have the money, fine, if you don't its a case of tough tits.

 

Just look at some of the specimens in recent times who've attempted to side step the consequences of shabby hedonistic deceitful little lives.

 

The argument is often put that if a someone wishes to cheat on his partner and family it's a matter for them alone, forgetting that if you screw your nearest and dearest, then a work colleague or business partner can expect no loyalty.

 

The law concerning defamation is the privilege of the rich and famous who can afford to pay a lawyer a grand or two. Still its not just individuals, businesses with deep pockets are more than happy to pervert the ebb and flow of information.

 

Currently the media are being all high and mighty about press freedom but its worth remembering that newspapers routinely, malign the those of modest means in the knowledge that it's unlikely that those on the end of slip shod stories can get legal representation.

 

Perhaps defamation, the right to privacy and all these vexatious infringements on the right to express yourself ought to be treated as other offences like physical assault.

 

Also a sense of proportion wouldn't go amiss, how for instance could a former boss of a  bank ever consider being a called a banker offensive, maybe if he'd been called a ..er....

 

I'm afraid that this popular uprising against the greedy lawyers their rich and famous clients will be short lived.

Who are these people?

It's probably me but sometimes you just get the hump, with all the busy bodies that interfere and pry for reasons best known to themselves into your daily comings and goings.

Anyhow I pulled up on a garage forecourt, this morning to fill up on scotch eggs and get a paper "The I" ( not bad just gives the news straight, unlike the Mail & Express only 20P) anyhow as I walked to shop I spotted a van as per the above illustration "Mobile Surveillance Unit" splattered on the side .

Naturally I thought who are these people, snooping and poking about into my daily routine, decided to take a photograph and clearly I'm not the only person with a inquisitive mind, since the anonymous guy in the van, happy to record my comings and goings, was not to happy either, in fact I'd say he was more miffed than I.

As I walk back to my vehicle Mr Nosy-Parker displays a clearly empathetical reaction, getting out of his van, unused to ad hoc amateur surveillance, asks " Who are you?" inclined to retort "Who the heck are you?" however worried I may be suffering a mild form of Tourettes, exacerbated by confrontational situations, I instead pointed out that I happened to be a member of the public, this  he found unsatisfactory, demanding to look at my camera phone.

I declined by commenting no further, and continued my journey, it's a sobering thought that any Muppet, myself included can just point a camera and expect not to be challenged.

Anyhow the bloke with his surveillance van, is probably still offended that someone should dare to respond in a similarly obtrusive manner to that of his own, without pondering on the irony.

I'm probably now on a list of dangerous and suspicious characters as I suspect is much of the British population.

BBC Reporting Kent Democracy or not? And Tory snouts in the trough

Being no stranger to obsessive or repetitious blogging  and all that entails, last Friday I emailed  Mick Rawsthorne (Regional Manager BBC SE) further following on from comments I made about BBC TV local coverage.

Tony flaig

to mick.rawsthorne

18 Feb (3 days ago)

Hi Mick
As a regional manager for the BBC can you tell me, why BBC coverage of local democracy is so poor across the county of Kent.

This morning listening to BBC Radio Kent, between six and seven, only a very minimal reference was made concerning KCC's budget meeting, since the programme in question is news based why no thorough report.

Kent councils budget, will directly effect every one who lives in the county, so why such mimimalistic coverage, what are the reasons, is it bias, lazyness or ignorance.

As a public service provider of broadcast media, I feel you have a duty to report the democratic process not hide as seems to be the case.

Although I spend much of my working life using a shovel I feel, I could do a better job than you and your colleagues.

Cheers tony Flaig
BignewMargate.blogspot.com

Unfortunately Mr Rawsthorne was unable to reply himself (some surprise) although he did delegate to a subordinate staff member, who confirmed that BBC South East, had sent a journalist to cover the Kent council Budget Meeting, however he claimed there was nothing new to report, well one item not  mentioned was the reaction of Tory leader Paul Carter and his Tory group, at the suggestion of Liberal Democrats, that councillors ought not in these tough times, to be getting free lunches paid for by you and I. An issue treated eloquently and entertainingly by Paul Francis of Kent Messenger Group.

Still if you need convincing that the BBC, when they cover politics in Kent do a proper job, the BBC exec, having informed me that BBC have "extensively" covered "cuts" in Medway and looked at KKC's (KCC surely) "challenges", added this "Indeed, Paul Carter is a regular on Breakfast - alongside his colleagues managing individual portfolios. Which of course,  just further troubles me, does this BBC bod, really believe Paul Carter and his colleagues, all Tories, are the soul representatives of political opinion in Kent.

Of course it might be that staff at BBC regional outposts such as BBC Radio Kent, are completely ignorant of local politics (as are consequentially, their audience) or maybe they don't give a toss, still the most likely reason is the BBC's obsessive pursuit of ratings.

The BBC is a publicly funded broadcaster, which in Kent, fails to offer balanced reporting, I note when I've mentioned this previously, Conservatives have suggested my claims of bias are fanciful, which they would with the one sided reporting they currently enjoy.

Still this is just my view and others are available.

If nothing else, you would have thought even most unimaginative, BBC bod might have spotted both the entertainment and news value of story concerning 70 odd tory councillors getting excited more about a free lunch than serving the public interest. Funny old world really.

Margate Caves time for council to fess up

Its one of those unfortunate features of Thanet Council, that public statements or information coming from officers and councillors is often misleading and at worst one assumes deliberately intended to hoodwink and bamboozle, we who bankroll and suffer  the consequences of slipshod local government.

A prime example is Thanet councils decision to seal up the entrance to Margate caves, various figures have been quoted as too how much it would cost to make the caves safe, £100,000, £150,000 and even I am told a rather hysterical £250,000 at one point on Simon Moores Site ( apparently later changed to the more credible £150,000).

Both Thanet Extra and Gazette reporters quote a figure £100,000, so what are we to conclude, maybe council officers don't wish us to worry or maybe Cllr Simon Moores knows more and isn't frightened to let us know.

I know Cllr Moores is a busy person and I just wonder, if perhaps he's taking on a bit more than he can handle, still it seems such is his omnipotence, that recently, I note he has taking to giving his opinion on how or whether I should blog, a bit like all that hypercritical nonsense spouted about blogging protocols for councillor.

Moores seems intent on engineering a spat, and I for one really have better things to do, still I sometimes wonder if "its just me" although I am truly indebted to the lady who emailed me earlier this week and used rather emphatic language which convinced me it wasn't.

Both officers and politicians have a duty to communicate clearly and in an objective way, there will always be politicians happy to fill the media with instant and meaningless babble and waffle.

My comment on whether or not Margate Caves is worth saving for a hundred grand is this, I'm led to believe by councillors, that senior officers, superfluous to a leaner council, will be getting generous enhanced severance pay, and its my belief that the sums involved would easily pay for safety work on the Caves.

If Thanet council could fess up and give us accurate figures, I think we know how the public would wish to see money spent, invested in local heritage for the future, or given to those who in some cases have contributed to the area's decline.

Is our Conservative Kent Council guilty of bullying the media?

All organisations have a right to protect their reputation, but it seems to me that Kent Council have a particular aversion to media reporting.

Kent council is of coarse funded by you and I the taxpayer and some of us feel uncomfortable about just how sensitive KCC are over bad publicity, I'm sure they didn't like me criticising the failed Kent TV, they didn't like being called negligent over the fifty million Icelandic banks (best not say **** up) er incident, Cllr Paul Carter leader of Kent council didn't like Kent Messenger reporting on the last KCC chief exec Peter Gilroy's contract renewal, which at the time was understood to have cost you and me two hundred grand but later it was revealed to have been closer to half a million at £408,0000.

Recently the Kent Council Finance chief has taken leave at the time rather worrying suggestions were made and a BBC report suggested  "after concerns were raised about her relationship with the media and "sources" suggested that her emails had been investigated.

Currently KCC have the hump over how the BBC reported on the news that the boss of Children, Families and Education, was leaving, click here to see what I mean, I wont bore you since that would be paranoid.

It's clear that Kent have failed children and no amount of news management will change that.

Does it matter, well yes because Kent Council spend millions on PR and press management, and of course some of us will see the big spending on PR as an attempt to pull the wool over our eyes and an attempt to promote the Conservative group. Don't agree with me, remember this extraordinary bit of withheld info.

I think its important that local government officers, remember they are providing services to public and have duty to be open, honest and fair in their dealings (which most are) without fear of upsetting politicians.

Perhaps Paul Carter would like to comment, for free, here which, unlike his own blog is produced at no expense on a site not funded by taxpayers, and no surprise doesn't  currently allow readers comments.

Murdoch too powerful?

I have mixed feelings about Murdoch his newspapers along with Eddy Shah's Today newspaper broke the print unions stranglehold on newspaper production which revolutionised the print media.

However the share of popular news titles and broadcast media owned by Murdoch companies is not good for democracy, such is Rupert Murdoch's influence he has no problem in accessing government, I believe shortly after the coalition was formed Murdoch was allowed in through the PM's back door at Downing Street. 

Anyhow it's always bothered me, that papers like the Sun, News of the World, come up with "stories" which the public swallow wholesale, but even setting that aside, most of us who view subscription telly have to do so through SKY, I've never understood how this monopoly has never been investigated by government to see if it offers a fair deal.

Why Labour didn't do anything over the years, you would have to ask Blair perhaps Murdoch made him an offer, before the 1997 election around the  time the Sun dumped the John Major's deadbeat conservative party.

Anyhow  an online petition gives you, your chance ask the government to act impartially, clearly Vince Cable is a politician who has pre judged as might Jeremy Hunt so lets leave the competition commission to deal with this fairly.

For more info click here