27 November - The New Year brings a new petition
Mr. Shvorob of Sidcup has taken another step towards
emulating Mr. Bryant of
Bexley. First it was a question at every Council meeting, now it is a petition.
Twelve years ago Mr. E knocked on more than 2,000 doors and obtained 2,219
signatures in support of his contention that £208,983 a year (plus allowances)
was too much for Bexley’s Chief Executive. Contrary to their rules the Council refused to accept the petition.
The reason given was that the CE did not earn £208,983
and the petition was therefore dishonest.
The salary shown on Bexley's website at the time was, you guessed it, £208,983.
Mr. S. has been seeking an assurance that if he organises a petition asking for
better provision for pedestrian safety his will not suffer the same fate. He has been
refused such an assurance
and has only been able to get a statement that it will be processed according to
standard procedures. Shades of Mr. Bryant again, they told him that too.
I am advised that the petition is going ahead anyway and will run from 1st January to 29th February 2024.
Technology having moved on since 2011 the petition will not involve shoe leather,
Bexley is forcing it down the on-line route and provided this link.
https://democracy.bexley.gov.uk/etc/RPID=16997822&HPID=16997822. Friendly isn’t it? (Edited: The published
original was longer but subsequently redacted - see Note below.)
Not only is the link far from simple it doesn’t, for me at least, appear to work. That
may be because I do not have a Bexley Council Account; never found the need for one.
If I am right it would appear to be a clever way of restricting access to the
petition. Maybe Mr. Shvorob will tell me if it is.
Something that has not moved on in twelve years is that Mr. Bryant’s petition
was in the hands of a Mr. Kevin Fox - see letter extract above. The same Council Officer is handling the new one.
Note: Mr. Shvorob has confirmed that the link does not work
and has requested it is withdrawn from this blog.