Some things never change, that’s just the way it is
As we begin the new year, it seems old habits die hard.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council have awarded five contracts to Brighter Homes, based in Folkestone, according to the contract register, at 4 Jan 2023.
Lychgate at St. Martin’s Church Contract details
Water Mains Hythe Pool Contract details
Bandstand the Leas Contract details
Park St Lydd Toilets Contract details
Wear Bay Rd Toilets Contract details
The awarded value for these contracts was £43,561.04. The earliest date for any of the five contracts to start was 04/07/2021, and the latest date for any of the five contracts to end was 26/08/22.
Yet when one looks at the Council Payment data it is clear Brighter Homes have been paid £102,351 between 1 Jan 2021 and 30 Sept 2022.
Not a matter to laugh about, such issues would invariably find people in a normal business situation fired. FHDC is an instrument of HM Government yet appearing to act as a loose cannon; officers representative of government departments in any shape or form are subject to regulations, procedures and performance suitable for the state. Persons elected or employed are expected to be of integrity, standard and professionalism fitting their duties.
Did their signatures not appear in compliance?
The general appearance is a shody, questionable performance, at best.
The moth holes in performance taint the reputation of those attempting to work diligently in council, and ourselves, the public.
Why should the public be expected to vote, at all, with such issues remaining unchanged?
Abstention, withholding the vote, is a growing local public action, check the vote statistics, not the massaged political party data.
Confidence and support of FHDC to act as a reliable public representative continues to flounder, daily.
It’s clear they are undervaluing the contracts so as to circumnavigate the contract standing orders. It’s a simple work around used by many councils
This just goes to show that the rot does indeed start at the top – those officers who jumped ship / were pushed last year were probably acting on the same orders as the ones above. When oh when will the opposition party elected Members sit up and take notice?
@Joseph – No single individual can alter this, it’s a culture club, unwanted.
Councillors using there free permits when not doing Councillor work