So, who and what is (are) the Northlands Park Neighbourhood Committee?

As I see it, the NPNC is a group of people who make suggestions regarding the disposal of funds provided by government (and others?). They are advisory only, and have no authority. It is said that they are representatives of the local community. I don't get it ….. I vote for MPs and councillors to do that!

At least MPs and councillors may have education, training and experience to manage these duties. Furthermore, the committee members are funded by the 'authorities' so, in no way, can they be considered 'independent'.

The residents of Northlands Park do not have any group power by way of referenda. Even if they did it would carry no authority. Even the NPNC have no mandatory powers. They can only advise.

The committee members are highly motivated members of the community, who 'give' their time in the service of the residents? They only get about £7.50/hour to exercise these noble motives. These 'expenses' are given on a tax free basis, and are not included as income for housing benefits. Nice work, if you can get it. (Taxes Management Act 1970 - and as amended) - and - (The Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Regulations. 1994 - and as amended)

As I say above, "I don't get it ….. I vote for MPs and councillors to do that!"

If I have a complaint about BDC, (or others) I raise the matter with the person concerned.

If no satisfaction, with their managers.

If no satisfaction, with the relevant director.

If no satisfaction with my local councillor.

If no satisfaction, with a statement of maladministration via my MP.

What the "Boiler House Committee" infer, (For that is the name with which they are referred to locally) is that :-

1. Council staff (and others) are generally unhelpful, incompetent and rarely deal with a complaint satisfactorily.

2. Managers are generally unhelpful, incompetent and rarely deal with a complaint satisfactorily

3. Directors are generally unhelpful, incompetent and rarely deal with a complaint satisfactorily

4. Elected politicians are generally unhelpful, incompetent and rarely deal with a complaint satisfactorily.

What have the people themselves have to say about these inferences?

The NPNC say that they help the ignorant, simple and unwashed peasants to voice their complaints. There is the CAB (has a rep at the rent office on a regular basis) to do this. Do we need yet another costly 'service'?

A N D! While we are on the subject of the rent office, at 13 Felmores, let's think about the 'independence of the NPNC.

BDC officials migrate between the "Boiler House" and 13 Felmores.

They also sit on the NPNC in an advisory capacity and to guide the members in their deliberations, unless they are asked to withdraw. (would that affect their actions?)

In effect, the "Boiler House" appears to be an annex of the BDC rent office. One person, at least, divides the time between the "Boiler House" and 13 Felmores.

How the b***** h*** does the 'independence' come about?

Let me argue against myself. Let me call myself a liar!

I say above that the BDC reps are there to 'guide' the members of the NPNC.

To show my superior knowledge, and expertise, (Oh, shut up! I know that I am a loud mouthed big 'ead! But, I am ever so nice with it!), have a think about this.

Having asked a few questions of the few people I have met, I followed with another question, "What is the socio-economic, and demographic distribution of the NPNC?" That means, "How many poor/rich people, and where do they live, these people on the NPNC?"

I will not quote one of the descriptions, given to me by one 'official', of one group of residents of the neighbourhood.

But, I have been given to understand, that there is no 'professional', business or managerial experience available on the NPNC. Would this indicate that all (or most) come from the west of Felmores? On the 'official' web site there is little information about the members. Indeed, of the (39?) full, and co-opted members, only about five have any indication of the area in which they live. Is this intentional?