Tuesday, October 03, 2006

QUESTIONS FROM COUNCILLOR PAUL BRANT, A BARRISTER, TO THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR WARREN BRADLEY

Councillor Paul Brant has asked 13 separate questions about the issues raised here, and elsewhere, to Council Leader Warren Bradley. We did post them on here, but have now taken them off until they are officially made public by the city council. (So count yourself lucky if you read them here before, ed). Keep checking this blog over the next two weeks and we will post the questions back again as soon as they are public. They are worth waiting for!

21 comments:

Tony Parrish47 said...

I HAVE NOMINATED COUNCILLOR PAUL BRANT FOR THE FIRST EVER TONY PARRISH AWARD FOR SERVICES TO LIVERPOOL.

Anonymous said...

this is not going away is it?

Anonymous said...

Bastards...

Anonymous said...

I never

Tori Blare said...

AT LAST SOMEONE WITH AN IDEA AS TO WHY HE WAS ELECTED. HE'S A LEGAL GUY AS WELL ISN'T HE??

DDOES HE GET A CERTIFICATE FOR HIS TONY PARRISH AWARD???

Tony Parrish47 said...

He gets a badge at the very least. And possibly a nifty 't' shirt into the bargain. Which is more than can be said for Acting City Solicitor Michael Kenworthy (a subject to which we shall be returning soon).

Anonymous said...

This is not going away, is it?

Tori Blare said...

Look at this load of old farts that I found on Sheffield Hallam university site:-!!!!!!!

Sir David Henshaw

BA (Hons) Public Administration 1973

Sir David Henshaw
Liverpool is an historic city, yet looking ever forward to the future. Sir David Henshaw is helping to change the city's fortunes around and paving the way for a bigger and brighter future. Liverpool City Council has been transformed from the third worst authority in the country into a rapidly improving one, using an inspirational reform agenda that has embraced the whole city. He spoke to Caroline Reynolds, from the Alumni Office, to share his successes with other alumni.

'During my student days in the 70's, I became the first sabbatical President of the Students' Union. We appointed the first full-time administrator of the Union and moved out of an office on the 12 th floor of Owen Building to take over a pub - the Phoenix*. My time as President was extremely stimulating - it brought together many of my interests and paved the way to a career in local government. It was a great learning experience; it gave me the start in life to do the job I'm doing today and opened my eyes to everything that is possible.'

Sir David in the 1970sDavid (centre) in the 1970s with Jack Straw (left) and Alan Corbett (right).

David further enhanced his education by completing an MSc at the University of Birmingham and, by coincidence, got a position at the South Yorkshire County Council in Barnsley where he was assistant corporate planning officer. He then moved to Essex County Council where he was assistant chief executive for five years. 'In 1989 I received a phone call asking me if I would be interested in a role as chief executive of the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley in Merseyside and clerk to the Merseyside Police Authority, it was an opportunity not to be missed. I moved back to my home town of Liverpool and in December 1999 I was appointed chief executive of Liverpool City Council.

David arrived at Liverpool with a long list of challenges set by a newly elected Council under Liberal Democrat control. 'My remit was to transform the quality of council services for the people of Liverpool and to reduce costs. At that time Liverpool was third from the bottom in the league table of local authority performance and it charged the highest council tax in the country.' Working with the local council, David led the managerial agenda in cutting costs dramatically and vastly improved the quality of council services.

David's structural reforms reduced 11 departments into five major portfolios and has substantially reduced costs, saving an estimated £120 million. New technology has also made the Council easier to contact, with a network of one-stop-shops and the creation of one of the biggest call centres in local government.

'In recent years, Liverpool has changed from a council with outdated working practices and poor quality services, to a local authority which is setting new standards and which other organisations are seeking to learn from. I am pleased we are succeeding in giving our customers the best of the public and private sector, and serve as a benchmark for the future of local government. There is still a lot to do but we are well on our way.'

Liverpool 's fortunes were further enhanced after they successfully beat off stiff competition to win the European Capital of Culture 2008 title. 'We decided to go for the bid on the basis that Liverpool was back and our ambition at that point was just to be short listed. As we went on we realised our pitch and the way we ran the bid had great potential and we won it. It was a huge boost of confidence for the city and a credit to the team of six who ran the bid - a great team won a great prize. Most of all, the people of Liverpool bought into the Bid which ultimately convinced the judges.'

Liverpool 's new cultural status has aided the ongoing regeneration process of the city's infrastructure and built on the strong foundation of its cultural heritage. The pace of change is also expected to accelerate as the city moves towards its 800 th anniversary in 2007.

Last year alone the Council finalised a £750 million investment - one of the largest city centre development projects in Europe . It is estimated that over the next five years the city will benefit from investments of more than £2 billion and create thousands of new jobs. Work will begin soon on a new £10.5 million cruise liner terminal and a new conference centre, arena and exhibition centre. Plans are also underway to build a new stadium for Liverpool Football Club. 'We are re-invigorating the city, moving it towards becoming a premier European city again and have massive investment coming into the area. At the maximum point of construction we'll have something like 42 tower cranes working in the city.'

David is married with two children and still has time for his favourite past-times including football - although he isn't prepared to divulge which Liverpool team he supports! He is optimistic about the future and hopes there will be more challenges along the way. One thing that remains strong is David's fondness for Sheffield . 'Sir Bob Kerslake (Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council, Former Governor and Honorary Doctorate at Sheffield Hallam University ) and I are good colleagues and I often visit the city - I think it's a great place. My student days at Sheffield Polytechnic were a very good grounding for my career in local government.'

David puts his success down to hard work, having a belief in what you can do, making a firm commitment and working with a great crowd of people whom he has learnt a huge amount from. In 2004, David was knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours list. This was an immensely proud moment but one which came completely out of the blue. 'Receiving the letter from No10 was totally unexpected - I was due to play in a golf competition that day and I ended up playing like I hadn't played in years - it was fantastic'. He feels that his knighthood is very much a recognition for Liverpool , of where the city has come from and feels privileged to do the job he's doing. ' Liverpool is my home city, to actually be born and bred in the city and to be doing this job is a great opportunity. It's hugely enjoyable and if you love what you do, you're a very lucky person.'

Anonymous said...

Diddy (wearing full Darth Vader Mask and costume): I AM INVINCIBLE

Jack Straw: I really would prefer it if you took your veil/mask thing off

Diddy obliges

Jack Straw: oh its you on second thoughts you may keep it on

Anonymous said...

talking of which has anyone noticed the resemblance between diddy and the head of h/r?

Tori Blare said...

I nominate Paul Brant again for a Tony Parrish Award and maybe a medal from Greaty Market engraved and all that?

The reason???

The State of Liverpool Pavements as reported in Daily Post today by Sam Lister.

Paul has highlighted Liverpool Enterprise lack of repairs and continued claims for compensation that could and should be used for front line services!

Is that one of the 13 questions?

Is there 13 questions on purpose, to show doom and gloom?
Give us a clue???

Tony Parrish47 said...

I couldn't agree more. I thought he did brilliantly too - and have said so. It wasn't one of the questions, but no reason why Paul or someone else can't ask more questions, about this. Wonder what enterprise have actually been doing for the last two years, eh Charlie? Quaffing champagne in the Midland? Did council taxpayers pay for that?
Oh by the way, when Paul Brant gets his answers we will perform a public service and post them up here. I don't expect any great illumination from them, but they will no doubt embarrass Colin 'Cover-up'. And we shall what happens then.....

Anonymous said...

Three cheers for Councillor Brant

Anonymous said...

I Found this on the Office for Public Standards website -what all public servants should have, prizes to whoever comes closest to how many of these diddy & dr death actually possess:




The Seven Principles of Public Life
The Committee has set out ‘Seven Principles of Public Life’ which it believes should apply to all in the public service. These are:

Selflessness
Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity
Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity
In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability
Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness
Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty
Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership
Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

Anonymous said...

this is on council web site!



Phil Halsall
Phil Halsall heads up the Finance and Legal Services portfolio which is responsible for the council's financial management and legal services, audit, committee services, asset and building management, procurement, electoral services, health and safety and revenue and benefits, among others.

When he's not working, Phil's passion for music and golf take up a large chunk of his time and he loves a really upbeat song to inspire him.

What is your all time favourite song, and why?
It's so difficult to pick one but almost any Little Feat or Steely Dan tune would do it, but if I had to single out one it would be Everyday by Incognito. I love music which is uplifting and happy, I hate listening to people whinge. Everyday is a real upbeat, happy song and whatever my mood it raises my spirits.

Who was your favourite teacher at school? And why?
My memories of school are not particularly happy and I have erased the lot from my memory!

Name the person who has inspired you the most, and why?
No one person in particular, but my mum and dad gave me a great start in life and my wife Maggie has been a wonderful support and inspiration for 25 years.

Obviously, Liverpool is the world's greatest city, but, if you had to name your second favourite place in the world, where would it be?
New York - a fun, vibrant city - another world in one city.

What made you decide take your job at Liverpool?
The chance to participate in making the city great again.

If you hadn't pursued a career in local government, what do you think you'd be doing now?
I'd have loved to have been good enough in sport or music, but unfortunately that was never likely! However, I have always enjoyed my job and never considered doing anything else.

What do you like to do with your spare time?
I play golf, listen to lots of music and watch my son's band, which will hopefully help support me in my old age.

Are you a good cook? If so, what is your signature dish?
Average but I make a pretty good Tagliatelle alla Crema.

Who would be your favourite three dinner party guests?
Tiger Woods (the world's greatest golfer), Donald Fagen (American musician, co-founder of the band Steely Dan), and Jose Mourinho (manager of Chelsea football club).



Jason Harborow
Jason is the chief executive officer of Liverpool Culture Company.

He has responsibility for the overall management of the company, which is tasked with delivering a host of events and programmes up to and including European Capital of Culture in 2008.

At 36, Jason is the youngest member of executive management team.

He's been at the forefront of cutting-edge events for the last 15 years.

His career has included high-profile positions at JJB Leisure, operations director of the Rugby League World Cup and commercial general manager of the Manchester 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Jason is also on the boards of North West Vision and Culture North West, and is a member of the North West tourism forum.

What is your all time favourite song, and why?
A tough one, I love music of all types. If pushed, Massive Attack's Unfinished symphony.

Who was your favourite teacher at school? And why?
Our Deputy Head Mrs Dowding taught me right from wrong and that team work is very important.

Name the person who has inspired you the most, and why?
My wife Cathy and daughter Olivia, they make me very happy.

Obviously, Liverpool is the world's greatest city, but, if you had to name your second favourite place in the world, where would it be?
A tough question, two places, Roda, south east Spain and New Brighton on Saturday mornings for breakfast!

What made you decide take your job at Liverpool?
Chance to make a difference.

If you hadn't pursued a career in local government, what do you think you'd be doing now?
I've worked both in the public and private sector. But I would love to have been a full time radio presenter!

What do you like to do with your spare time?
Spend time with my family.

Are you a good cook? If so, what is your signature dish?
Rubbish, not bad at making a cheese sandwich.

Who would be your three favourite dinner party guests?
Billy Boston (Wigan rugby league legend), Alan Sugar, and former president of the United States Bill Clinton.

Tony Parrish47 said...

gobsmacking at the arrogance of halsall - new york, his son's band. the man has no shame.

Anonymous said...

Where are the 13 questions then Mr Parrish, we have been patient, please tell us what they are???

Anonymous said...

Nothing a splintered stick couldn't sort out!

Anonymous said...

Whats the latest on this ? Has it all been covered up now?

Tori Blare said...

What is happening with this one then Tony??

Tony Parrish47 said...

the action has moved to liverpoolsubculture.blogspot.com/