Off the Record

IT MIGHT not have been the best time for bleary-eyed journalists to hurry along to County Hall, but Off The Record was up with the lark for this week’s media briefing about Kent County Council’s £240 million black hole. Due to start at 7.30am – yes, 7.30am – the briefing was delayed owing to the late arrival of the leader Paul Carter, who was suitably apologetic and blamed traffic congestion. The media was kept happy with bacon rolls and Danish pastries, but naturally we did not have any. Must retain our independence.

Meanwhile, there was an 11th-hour change to the title of the report setting out the county council’s approach to saving money. An early draft was titled “From Efficiency To Transformation” but this was changed to: “Facing The Challenge: Whole Council Transformation.” No, we are not sure why either.

Ukip is now the official opposition at County Hall, but there are some whisperings that it is becoming rather too friendly with the ruling Conservatives. And some superficial evidence that there is not quite unanimity over the party’s position on KCC’s savings strategy and plans for more privatisation. The leader of the group, Cllr Roger Latchford, said he was “convinced the plans were the best possible”. Colleague Cllr Mike Baldock tweeted that KCC’s approach was “a sure route to poor services and less value for money – exactly what people don’t want to see. A failure in other councils.” Oops.

County councillors are leading by example when it comes to cutting costs. The 84 elected representatives received £1,784,219 in allowances in 2012/13. But don’t be too harsh – the bill was down by £17,474 on the previous year, a mighty 1% drop.