Where has all the money gone?

My personal interest in seeing that we know where our money is spent.

The following a series of some of the email's between those who can give us, the taxpayer the answers.

READ FROM THE BOTTOM UP


Richard,

Thank you for you reply, I would very much like to stress, that whilst officers of the council need to prepare reports, more importantly I would expect that those beneficiaries that have drawn on this funding report in both a written and verbal manner are held to account for such.

Obviously these parties are beyond your direct control, however the relevant committee has explicate powers to call these partners to account and every effort should be made to ensure they are.

r

Cllr David Owens

>>> Richard Harbord 31/01/2010 18:12 >>>
I have this matter in mind and will find a convenient date and which panel as soon as I can.I need to give officers time to produce a factual report to discuss.

I will comew back to you in the next few days

Richard

Richard Harbord
Chief Executive
>>> David Owens 01/30/10 4:01 AM >>>
All,

Further to my requests in December, and given the timing in relation to budget setting, I once again request that this subject comes before scrutiny, I feel it is imperative that we gain a thorough understanding of how the £660,000 of tax payers money has and is being spent. I expect to see representation of all those parties i.e. CAB and CVS in this scrutiny and wish to see them and others account for all expenditure that has been charged under the heading of Community Cohesion.

Regards

Cllr David Owens



>>> David Owens 08/12/2009 13:58 >>>
Alison,


You may recall from a forum meeting last week the subject of items for inclusion under this banner was discussed. Richard Harbord stole my thunder somewhat, in suggesting that Community cohesion is brought to scrutiny as an example.

The purpose of this email is to make a formal request that this subject come before your committee at the earliest opportunity.

To refresh your and other members memories,

£660,000 of funding was granted to BBC for this fund to be spread over 3 years, we are nearing the end of year 2. Whilst any funding to assist cohesion in Boston is most welcome, we as elected members have a duty to ensure that this money is spent wisely and appropriately.

The past and current reporting methods of how this money is spent, leaves a great deal to be desired and would benefit all concerned to open this area to view by all.

The CAB, CVS, Mayflower are all partners in this enterprise and I suggest should be included in the meeting/s should they be called.
We would also need to know precisely what each of the recipients of funding is actually doing in relation to funds it is receiving and were staff have been taken on to fill new roles ( of which there are at least 4,) what have they delivered whilst in post and what plans are there for the future when funding ceases at the end of 2010/11.

It may be of interest to know what percentage of CAB and CVS,s total funding comes from this cohesion fund, as it may be prudent to ensure that this fund stream meets with the criteria of the Community Cohesion Strategy (as detailed in appendix B of the report to cabinet dated 23rd July 2008) and that there is clear evidence of all recipients meeting the strict criteria.

I have obtaining a breakdown for the past present and future spending under this funding stream and I am slightly concerned that they appear to be somewhat lacking in any real detail.


Kind Regards

Cllr David Owens