I wrote to the Head of Cultural Services at North Lincs Council a few weeks back expressing my concern re the consultation regarding future provision for Leisure Services.  I have misplaced my original email but was voicing my concern that the survey was loaded toward “shipping out” said services.
Below is the correspondence received to date.  I cannot help feeling I am not progressing very rapidly!

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Dear Mr Adcock,

Thank you for you comments on the above survey.  I do not agree that the survey is heavily loaded.  If you look in detail at the wording of question three, it is setting a hypothetical situation.  "If it were a choice between a service closing, being reduced or finding another organisation..."  The purpose of the question is to seek views on preferences if this hypothetical situation comes about.  It would not be logical to add a fourth option of "remaining in council control" in the context of the question.  People already have their opportunity to  express a view on continued management of services directly by the council in question two, by ticking "no" as you did in the survey you completed last night at 20-21 Visual Arts Centre.

Irrespective of the type of organisation  which may end up running services on behalf of a local authority, there will always be a cost to the council concerned.  This will be by way of a contract management fee, or grant, as the services covered by the review do not make an overall profit as is outlined in question five.  If a council wishes to maintain affordable access to outsourced services then that would be reflected in any agreement of the amount of fee/grant paid to any "contractor" be it private sector or community group.

I am not clear why you think another organisation running services would automatically lead to service reduction, as again it would depend on the nature and detail of the contract agreed with any organisation taking on responsibility for the services.

I hope this clarifies your queries but if you have further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes,

#########

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Dear #########

Thank you for your prompt reply.  I will accept your point re questions 2 and 3

I do however remain unclear as to why the options are being considered in the first place.  What is the problem with regards to maintaining the status quo?  What are the potential benefits to the tax-payer, service user, or county council?

I thank you in anticipation of your attention.

Regards

Chris Adcock

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Dear #########

Thank you for your recent e mail.  Unfortunately you are seeking a level of detail which cannot be answered at this stage in the consultation process.  These issues will be dealt with at the appropriate time, should a decision be made to investigate alternative management arrangements further.

Best wishes,

######### 

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Dear #########

Thank you for your reply.  I now cannot help but wonder why the issues of the potential pros and cons have not been considered sooner, rather than spending money on a consultation first?

Regards

Chris Adcock

(I waited a week for a response and then issued a reminder, below!)

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Dear #########

I am not alone, especially following this evenings cabinet meeting, of being rather disappointed at the absence of transparency regarding decision making within the council, and still eagerly await a response.

Regards

Chris Adcock

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Dear Mr Adcock,

I have nothing further to add to my earlier reply until the analysis of the survey is undertaken, reported to elected members, and they have made a decision on which option, if any, to investigate further.

######### 

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Dear #########

Oh well, thanks for getting round to replying.

I look forward to clarification                   

Chris Adcock