Reform to begin Musk-style audits of councils

Dickens

Dickens

Maremia

He does plan to 'have a go' at the NHS. My belief is that he plans to replace it with the wonderful USA style of 'great if you can afford it' health services.

He has, in the past, said he favours this approach.

For those with pre-existing conditions / complex medical histories / the elderly / the poor, there would likely be a 'medicare/medicaid' style of safety-net. But that is not free either.

I hope people understand the market solution to healthcare.

... to give an example of the 'market approach' to healthcare.

An American friend had a reasonable healthcare policy which covered the bases.

He then suffered from bowel cancer. Briefly - his policy stipulated one CT-scan per six-month period. His consultant - worried about new symptoms - wanted to do a diagnostic CT-scan. Unfortunately, he'd already had one (check-up) a couple of months previously.

The insurers denied payment for this additional scan. I don't know what the out-of-pocket cost was, but my friend could not afford it.

After weeks of 'phone calls and discussions back and forth the insurers finally agreed to pay for part of the diagnostic scan. My friend added the remaining cost to his already mounting bills for out-of-pocket payments.

... I hope people who support Farage's reforms are prepared for this. And for the fact that even the most comprehensive policies can ultimately run out.

I'm a member of a number of online diabetes groups, which have some American members. There are numerous cases where people with diabetes in the US can't afford the medications they've been prescribed. Not only that, but they don't have the checks which the NHS offers for free.

I've been following the progress of several councils for years. Colchester is the easiest as for a few years a lovely sensible lady (whoes name I forget), put videos on line of meetings etc. Fascinating watching how Cc members slithered past the truth
And outright lied.
Another is Somerset which is embroiled in a financial scam with no accountability or records to see where thousands of pounds has disappeared.
Then follow Recusant 9 who has been reporting on the failings, fraud and rigging of several councils in the North West.

I have little faith in NF to actually follow through and do anything but capture some publicity for himself or Reform, but any light shone on the problems within our councils is a plus.

Dickens

Maremia

He does plan to 'have a go' at the NHS. My belief is that he plans to replace it with the wonderful USA style of 'great if you can afford it' health services.

He has, in the past, said he favours this approach.

For those with pre-existing conditions / complex medical histories / the elderly / the poor, there would likely be a 'medicare/medicaid' style of safety-net. But that is not free either.

I hope people understand the market solution to healthcare.

... to give an example of the 'market approach' to healthcare.

An American friend had a reasonable healthcare policy which covered the bases.

He then suffered from bowel cancer. Briefly - his policy stipulated one CT-scan per six-month period. His consultant - worried about new symptoms - wanted to do a diagnostic CT-scan. Unfortunately, he'd already had one (check-up) a couple of months previously.

The insurers denied payment for this additional scan. I don't know what the out-of-pocket cost was, but my friend could not afford it.

After weeks of 'phone calls and discussions back and forth the insurers finally agreed to pay for part of the diagnostic scan. My friend added the remaining cost to his already mounting bills for out-of-pocket payments.

... I hope people who support Farage's reforms are prepared for this. And for the fact that even the most comprehensive policies can ultimately run out.

Maremia

He does plan to 'have a go' at the NHS. My belief is that he plans to replace it with the wonderful USA style of 'great if you can afford it' health services.

He has, in the past, said he favours this approach.

For those with pre-existing conditions / complex medical histories / the elderly / the poor, there would likely be a 'medicare/medicaid' style of safety-net. But that is not free either.

I hope people understand the market solution to healthcare.

Sarnia

When he's finished with councils he needs to have a go at the NHS. If ever there's an organisation that is crying out for a financial restructure that is the one.

It needs managerial rstructuring, not finaancial.

Sarnia

When he's finished with councils he needs to have a go at the NHS. If ever there's an organisation that is crying out for a financial restructure that is the one.

So what can you tell us about "financial restructure" Sarnia. I can see a need for physical restructure - dividing large hospitals into small (much smaller) out of town units, just as you eventually have to do with businesses. I can see the need to use technology to make this work but what would "financial" restructure look like?

I can see a lot of moves forward already as technology is embraced.

woodenspoon

PoliticsNerd

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Read about Thurrock Council today? £268 million?!? Where on earth did they get that amount from in the first place to invest? Hope the council are investigated as well. No wonder Reform think they’re onto a winner here.

Rather than asking others on GN, why not do some proper research and bring that to others. If you have no understanding of how councils work shouldn't you find out before you pontificate? Why do you think others should just agree with your gut reaction?

Is GN a place where those who really want to know can, on one of its forums, be told by those who have that knowledge and/or be directed to knowledgeable sources to learn about political decision making and policy? Or is it just a forum for people who want to be mad at something ... anything?

I think you’re being harsh to FGT who, as many know, has a lot going on at the moment. She is also entitled to her opinion and while it may differ to yours, it’s nonetheless valid. I say this as one who knows only too well how local government works and the waste involved.

Having just taken a quick look at the Thurrock story on the BBC, it's not difficult to grasp the bones of the story from a valid source. I do wish our tabloid newspapers could be closed down or their readers could be encouraged to understand that the headlines are there to encourage rage and sell papers!
My own quick glance informed me that Thurrock and other councils were taking advice on financial investments from a body called APSE, Association for Publuc Service Excellence which is owned by local councils. Oh, I thought to myself like the NHS and PFIs, years of cuts by Conservative governments all the way back to George Osborne's austerity policy, forcing councils and the NHS to borrow money at exorbitant rates in order to run public services.

He does plan to 'have a go' at the NHS. My belief is that he plans to replace it with the wonderful USA style of 'great if you can afford it' health services.

PoliticsNerd

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Read about Thurrock Council today? £268 million?!? Where on earth did they get that amount from in the first place to invest? Hope the council are investigated as well. No wonder Reform think they’re onto a winner here.

Rather than asking others on GN, why not do some proper research and bring that to others. If you have no understanding of how councils work shouldn't you find out before you pontificate? Why do you think others should just agree with your gut reaction?

Is GN a place where those who really want to know can, on one of its forums, be told by those who have that knowledge and/or be directed to knowledgeable sources to learn about political decision making and policy? Or is it just a forum for people who want to be mad at something ... anything?

I think you’re being harsh to FGT who, as many know, has a lot going on at the moment. She is also entitled to her opinion and while it may differ to yours, it’s nonetheless valid. I say this as one who knows only too well how local government works and the waste involved.

When he's finished with councils he needs to have a go at the NHS. If ever there's an organisation that is crying out for a financial restructure that is the one.

Thanks to everyone who has added links and/or repeated information. What a different view that gives.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

Read about Thurrock Council today? £268 million?!? Where on earth did they get that amount from in the first place to invest? Hope the council are investigated as well. No wonder Reform think they’re onto a winner here.

Rather than asking others on GN, why not do some proper research and bring that to others. If you have no understanding of how councils work shouldn't you find out before you pontificate? Why do you think others should just agree with your gut reaction?

Is GN a place where those who really want to know can, on one of its forums, be told by those who have that knowledge and/or be directed to knowledgeable sources to learn about political decision making and policy? Or is it just a forum for people who want to be mad at something ... anything?

Yes, it's great to have competent management. Meanwhile, how is Reform managing in their new councils. Difficult to tell, when so many planned meetings are being cancelled or postponed. Great start...not.

My experience of Local Government, like the NHS, is not of wasteful spending of money, but of managerial incompetence.

We have, for example, had enquiry after enquiry into failures in Social Service departments, and while these usually accept that funding is tight, the main cause always seem to be that management and systems of management were poor. There was a case reported only yesterday news.sky.com/story/boy-3-starved-and-buried-by-his-parents-became-invisible-to-child-services-review-finds-13378928

If I hear the phrase 'Lessons have been learned' just one more time, I shall scream. Good management, leads to efficient competent workers and, often,money saved or services expanded at no extra cost.

One thing I am wondering is that because Reform are complete climate change deniers, how are they going to decide what flood defences are needed in Kent, bearing in mind that the flood models are predicated on the fact of climate change.

Maybe they’ve found millions of savings at a stroke😄😄. Hope the Kent folk have their blowup boats in good order.

Its so complicated, people often don't base decisions on anything like full information (neither do many have the time for it) I just wish the press were more responsible as in including "both sides of a story" when there is one.

Note the words fraud committed against Thurrock Council not by

Thanks Silverbrooks, and for the links too.

Yep

More on the history of the story here:

www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2022-10-19/thurrock-council-ordered-to-disclose-details-of-dodgy-deals-worth-1bn/#:~:text=In%20October%202019%2C%20the%20Bureau,the%20deals%20were%20being%20agreed.

This was sterling work from the BIJ but this isn’t what Reform seem to be about with this Musk-style DOGE initiative.

They have no evidence of any fraudulent activity at Kent CC. They are simply following Trump in their hatred of diversity, equalty and inclusivity. This will probably be some thoughtless slash and burn mission which will end up cutting vital services.

Thanks Silverbrooks I was going to post more info once I have herded GC into their swimming lesson 👍🏻

www.gov.uk/government/news/sfo-investigates-alleged-multi-million-pound-council-fraud

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has today issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information on its newly opened investigation into alleged fraud committed against Thurrock Council.

Note the words fraud committed against Thurrock Council not by.

www.thurrock.gov.uk/news/thurrock-council-welcomes-serious-fraud-office-investigation

The council welcomes the news that the Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it is investigating allegations of fraud committed against Thurrock Council arising from its dealings with Rockfire Investment Finance Plc and other Rockfire companies.

The SFO has today issued a series of Section 2 notices compelling financial institutions to provide information about Rockfire, linked to Thurrock Council’s investments in solar farm bonds.

Cllr Victoria Holloway, Cabinet Member for Place and the Environment, said: “Since these catastrophic investments first came to light, this administration—standing firmly alongside our residents—has consistently and rightly called for a full investigation. We therefore strongly welcome today’s announcement from the Serious Fraud Office (SFO). It represents a vital step toward securing justice and ensuring accountability on behalf of our communities.

“Thurrock Council will continue to fully support this investigation and will make sure the SFO has access to all the information it requires, as we have continued to do since these losses were uncovered.

“Alongside this, the council is vigorously pursuing civil claims against Rockfire and its owner, Liam Kavanagh, to recover public funds lost through these failed investments. Today’s announcement strengthens our resolve to see this through.”

The involvement of former Thurrock CEO Lyn Carpenter and former Thurrock CFO Sean Clark in this matter are well documented but the SFO investigation should throw further light.

LizzieDrip

FGT haven’t read anything today about Thurrock council. Where did you read it, so I can look at it for myself?

Thurrock is up the road from me.

At one point they were £1.5 billion in debt due to dodgy investments, mainly solar panel farms.

The government are loaning them some money but the repayments will put more strain on an already struggling administration.

😂 So this council, falling behind on Equality/Diversity is to hire expensive inspectors to tell them...what? They have to meet government standards......

Chocolatelovinggran

I'm in Kent and I'll watch with interest the "savings" - after the people employed to find them have been paid, of course.
There seems to be an understanding on the part of Reform that the county has been run by " woke lefties", so there's lots of silly projects to be cut; it has been Conservative for decades.

That made me laugh as it's so true! Before you told me I'd assumed it surely must have been lib/lab to spend on all these frills (and what frills has Kent council been spending money on anyway under the Tories?)

This report by Kent council identified many areas where "diversity" initiatives fell well short of government requirements (NB, requirements set by Tory government) 😂

www.kent.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/131983/KCC-Annual-Equality-and-Diversity-Report.pdf

FGT haven’t read anything today about Thurrock council. Where did you read it, so I can look at it for myself?