Friday 26th March 2021

[refitman]

Morning all.

[Willow904]

Morning.

@refitman from last night:

They're talking about Liverpool being taken over for 4 years!

Yes, they are, but that's why I raised Northamptonshire CC because similar hyperbolic language was used about that but I don't think the reality was quite as dramatic. And I don't think what Labour are saying they are agreeing to in Liverpool is quite that dramatic either. Is this really a takeover or is it bureaucratic oversight? Because I think Labour have to agree to the latter, given the circumstances. If central government does try to use this to interfere in local policy then Labour should complain like hell as that isn't acceptable but if they complain now they risk looking like they are defending corruption and the weak processes that enabled it.

[gilsey]

If central government does try to use this to interfere in local policy

Why would they do it otherwise?

Something had to be done in Northants, but not inevitable in Liverpool imo. There seems to be no problem with the Chief Exec and the worst offenders have been arrested. The auditors could do some extra work around the dodgy depts, or get some consultants in. Expensive but cheaper than paying Commissioners for 4 years, Liverpool have to pay for the report that central govt commissioned as well.

[PorFavor]

I didn't realise that Liverpool would be footing the bill for the report.

[Willow904]

Why would they do it otherwise?

To cast aspersions on the whole council and put Labour in a bind - jump one way and get accused of defending corruption, jump the other and be accused of betrayal by the left.

[AnatolyKasparov]

Tbf there is speculation (not least locally) that the full extent of what went on in Liverpool hasn't been revealed yet.

[PaulfromYorkshire]

Epic stuff

https://twitter.com/ukhomeoffice/status ... 40420?s=21" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AnatolyKasparov]

Well, not only am I glad *somebody* has posted - I am even gladder it is you!

You are missed as a regular.

[PaulfromYorkshire]

I’ll be back. Just volume of work. Everything takes twice the effort done remotely.

As I’m sure others here are finding.

[AnatolyKasparov]

Yeah, the idea working from home is a doss is pretty bizarre. If you actually do the work anyway!