From a number of articles and letters (Times Series, February 17) there seems to be a general perception that Barnet Council exists exclusively to provide the borough’s residents with a service. That might very well be the theory, but it is very far from the reality.
Having worked for the council as head of computing services from 1986 to 1989, I experienced what actually occurs in a borough council and it would seem very little has changed in the interim. Although one change has been the exorbitant salaries many officers now get.
No doubt the councillors think that through the services of the officers of the council — the people who actually do the work and spend the money — they are responding to the interests of the residents.. That is only partly true as, unknown to the councillors, the officers have their own agendas, with one department playing games against another and ignoring the interests of residents.
While I was at the council there were examples of officers misappropriating money, not adhering to terms of reference laid down by councillors for spending, and council facilities used for private business and personal profit-making.
It was not so long ago that Barnet Council considered having the librarians wear uniforms as if this would improve the service to library users. No doubt this was to be followed by the rest of the officers being given uniforms. Luckily, this waste of residents’ money was not pursued.
Recently, Mill Hill and Edgware libraries installed contraptions in their grounds intended for users to stow bicycles. I use Edgware Library most Mondays and Mill Hill Library most other days but not once have I seen them used.
I imagine the other libraries in the borough have these contraptions installed. This is only a small example, but it typifies the way residents’ money is wasted.
Tony Felce
Bunns Lane, Mill Hill
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