Planet basw.............

In a Galaxy long away is a planet called BASW – it seems to contain folk who are hopeful, bright, dedicated and deserving of status. That excludes the ruling class who, some of whom are simple piss heads and live in an alternative world. Among them is an “acting” leader trying as best as she can to recover a utter disaster in the public image of social work. Regrettably, she faces such an uphill task that she has resorted to “off world” concepts that the survival of the universe relies upon BASW – we might all get consumed by Darth Vader unless BASW are given a voice.

Quite frankly, if there was ever a time for BASW to give in, it is now. Stop digging a hole even bigger than Dawson has already dug and just, well, stick your heads in a meat grinder – the likely outcome from your brain might just be as comprehensively stupid.

What is wrong with these people: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114178/basw-offers-to-work-alongside-college-development-group.htm

Gawd help us!

Wilt

Clipped wings.......

The GSCC are becoming newsworthy again. First this report indicates, as Wilt predicted the GSCC will at best have its wings clipped and at worst may be subsumed altogether into some other quango. See the article her: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114185/gscc-functions-could-shift-under-white-paper-proposals.htm

They have hardly won their wings to expand in light of the total fuck ups made in the past. Wilt is still convinced the nice people at the GSCC will find themselves listed as a former regulator, a bit like the NCSC (National Care Standards Commission) and CSCI (Commission for Social Care Inspection).

Second, the GSCC have concluded on this case, and in one sense rather controversial given the passage of time. They have been very brave. See the article here:  http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/30/114184/GSCC-strikes-off-worker-for-sexual-abuse.htm

Meanwhile the GSCC has had a busy month: http://www.gscc.org.uk/Conduct/Conduct_hearings/recently_concluded_hearings/

Some very interesting readings among these numerous concluded GSCC hearings, and for the first time (I think) a hearing held outside of London. That means those nice people at the GSCC got off their fat bums and went out to the provinces – no, we do not still paint our bodies red and run around nude! So you see GSCC, you are safe beyond the M25.

On the whole, I must say, the GSCC seem to be getting their act together – nothing immediately springs to mind in their findings that causes concern, but given their history, you just never know for sure. It is, however, a little come lately as the GSCC have the immaculate propensity to stupidity.

However, nothing will prompt Wilt to register with the fools, any more than re-join BASW – Gawd forbid!

Wilt

More piggy's................

Oh dear, more MP files sent to the CPS, as outlined here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8595256.stm

What a wonderful story – little piggy’s are increasingly feeling the pinch. Excellent stuff – let them squeal all the way to market, or otherwise known as a general election.

Meanwhile Guido (http://order-order.com/) has identified this rather useful addition to your bathroom: http://order-order.com/2010/03/30/wipe-the-smile-of-their-face/

Wilt has ordered a batch via here: http://www.play.com/Gadgets/Gadgets/4-/12654173/Gordon-Brown-Printed-Novelty-Toilet-Roll/Product.html

A real bargain at £3.49 a role I think if it means using Gordon to wipe my arse.

Wilt

Oink.........

Meanwhile Guido (http://order-order.com/)is keeping an eye on the Oink MPs under charges of fraud: http://order-order.com/2010/03/30/meanwhile-over-at-southwark-crown-court/

And here: http://order-order.com/2010/03/29/the-peoples-oink-protest-tomorrow/

It seems their legal fees are also being met by the public purse – it could only happen in the UK. Fucking outrageous.

Wilt

Tossers...........

And what is exactly wrong about setting limits on the pay scales of local authority directors? Where will they go to get better rates – Botswana? As well as politicians “not getting it” and trade unions (i.e. Unite) living in never never land, it seems local authorities are suffering with some alien infliction that does not recognise a thing called recession, and even without a recession those in the public sector need to get real. What a bunch of tossers.

See the CC article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114175/Employers-warn-against-budget-plan-for-director-pay.htm

What planet are these people living on? Only the likes of Wilt are allowed to earn those kinds of sums, cos he earns it through hard graft and does not expect a golden goodbye or copper bottomed pension scheme, up to 12 months sick pay, loads of paid holiday and all the other associated perks that are an anathema to the private sector. If Wilt does not work, he does not get paid – simple and worryingly truthful. He is not looking for a handout from the taxpayer and caters for his own time off sick or holiday, and pays for his own private pensions and ISAs that will keep him in comfort in his old age – at least 10 pints of cider a day and that is just for Salty Dog.

Wilt

Stars and stripes..........

Now I have heard of Dorks but this lot take the biscuit: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8593975.stm

Now Wilt loves America – he and Mrs Wilt visit family there regularly, both in New England and the Southern States. Some of those in the south look fairly mean and drive pickups the size of a tank. Very scary and intimidating, and they mean to be.

Not quite Ku Klux Klan material but the “Colonial Christian Republic" (CCR) is just as insidious. What is wrong with these people? And people moan about Muslims – it’s the bleeding Christians in America that you need to worry about. Mind you, a country that can vote in George W Bush as president must have something of a fault line, only to then more constructively and positively go on to bring in “we can” Obama. That is the contradiction that is America.

The CCR are apparently anti-government and were planning to first murder a police officer and then add to the death toll by planting land mines at the funeral. What exactly is Christian about that, can I ask? Fucking twats!

I must remember not to go to Michigan.

Wilt

Sunshine...........

Oh what a wonderful weekend in north Wales. Sun, sun, and even more sun - and lots of cool cider too. I use it as sun cream! Salty dog had a few pints too.

Gosh, it was just what the doctored ordered and now Wilt is so relaxed he can hardly get up – mind you that might be the cider too. Mrs Wilt was also in attendance together with Wilt’s brother and wife – they drink even more cider than Salty Dog and cost Wilt a fortune! No wonder even now I still have a hang-over. Gawd!

Anyway its back to the drudgery of work – however it helps add to the retirement savings. Not quite the retirement savings of some people in Oxfordshire and Shropshire, but enough for poor Wilt. Not that I am jealous or anything, unlike some might be from other parts, like Warwickshire.

Anyway, MPs expenses:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8592174.stm

And here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8587661.stm is excellent news. Plaskett (of Dunes) et al will have to go on a diet rather than claim the £400 a month no questions asked expenses on food. And the profit he has made on his second home will have to be repaid, and no longer the plasma TV replacement if it blows up. Nor indeed other furnishings or replacement bathrooms, or indeed first class travel on trains.

I am particularly pleased with the latter as I find MPs tend to lower the tone of first class travel. They are so, well, lacking any class, let alone dignity.

And the “Communications” allowance has gone – now that will be a good reason to dump Mrs C of Leamington Spa, apart from the fact that Dunes will be losing his seat anyway. I despair for Mrs C – what will she do? No one to listen to her moans – shock/horror. Actually, I do not give a shit, and neither does anyone else, which is the important fact she needs to understand.

My mate in Salop still has regular visits to his website, as late as last week, from the disgruntled and without compensation from the Spa. The woman is manic. Anyway he is off on another joint project with others in Oxfordshire and he does not give a shit. And then, he tells me, next week he has a shin dig goodbye party in a Midlands authority to celebrate his years of dedicated service before standing down from his independent chairman role – strangely enough Mrs C is not invited.

In further political news this chap: https://www.youfund.me.uk/antony-calvert/ is trying to raise some cash to oust Ed Balls – now that is a deserving cause. I am asking a certain friend in Salop to donate a few thousand quid, and Wilt has already donated a few pounds from his limited bank account.

Meanwhile poor old BASW are getting another kicking: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114176/basw-rep-withdraws-after-exclusion-from-college-group.htm which is, I have decided, is well deserved. What is this Dork Dawson up to?

Well, he explains it here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/29/114176/basw-rep-withdraws-after-exclusion-from-college-group.htm and there are a range of views expressed by others.

And I had such high hopes for Dawson and BASW – I should have realised it would come to nothing.

I despair.

The only amusement at the moment is listening to the chuckles of certain folk from Salop and Oxon, and imagining the tears in Warks.

It was very strange today – we had a visit from Buckinghamshire County Council to Regulator Watch – it must be that Mr Campbell bloke who loves chatting to Mrs C. Very odd!

Wilt

Pissing into the wind.............

Back again – though not for long, again. The Wilt is off to North Wales with Salty Dog, Mrs Wilt and co.

Wilt has been working down in the “smoke” on a joint project with his mate from Salop and very lucrative and enjoyable it was too, thank you very much.

Anyway – a few days at home and thereabouts with more local work and then a huge number of court directions and final hearings for months to come (with the break to sail the final bit to Malta).

This last week however there have been some developments on the Blog. First Mrs C of Leamington Spa has disappeared as in a puff of smoke. Either she has fallen off a cliff (we can but wish), is masquerading under some new ISP (we will discover her eventually) or she has just given up or gone on holiday or attending some addiction clinic. Possibly, as Mr Plaskitt thinks she is a bit nutty, she could be being detained somewhere against her will. We hope the lobotomy works, provided they can find a brain to work on!

Anyway, talking of Plaskitt (and lobotomy) – he has again emerged from his bunker and raised another query in Parliament, as set out here: http://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2010-03-23a.323141.h&s=plaskitt#g323141.q0

Wilt and others had to think very hard and long to wonder what he may have been getting at precisely.

We were lost to understand what he was after – surely it could not be connected with Mrs C, the CSCI or any personal (private) compensation awards made to individuals associated with Mrs C’s sordid and dark past; surely not? Not connected with the fact that Mrs C has been told by the Care Quality Commission to sling her hook, dive overboard or otherwise piss off when she, in her rather bully girl fashion, “demanded” I want to know what compensation these people were paid.

Nah, Plaskitt of Dunes, could note surely find the time in his busy schedule to deal with the facile odd and distorted matter of the “discontent” of Leamington Spa – with  a serious distortion of mind. Nah, we concluded he must have bigger issues to deal with, like the budget, the state of the nation, his unsafe/marginal seat, the state of social care and the total fucking mess he created when he was a minister.

Perhaps he is for once doing something useful?

We gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Anyway, in the mean time a friend of Wilt spoke with Mr & Mrs H of Oxfordshire. He commented to Mr & Mrs H on the rather nice “wheels” (a real, real nice 4X4) that graces the drive of their mansion. He bemoaned the fact that their “wheels” were rather more superior to his. “Ah well”, said Mr & Mrs H – “our compensation was larger than yours” and added “we are thinking of getting a boat with the remainder of the settlement.” His response is unrepeatable even here on Regulator Watch!

I have no fucking idea what they were going on about, any more than what basket case Plaskitt goes on about.

What however is clear, Plaskitt was again, nicely, told to go away and stop making a fucking nuisance of himself. It seems he, and some others of Leamington Spa, are just pissing into the wind – yuck! Damp knickers and stained trousers, which is what I had when I pissed myself laughing at their hopeless efforts. Utter twats.

It is keeping Wilt and various others chuckling. Somehow I do not think Wilt will end up on Plaskitt’s Xmas card list.

Wilt

Dork................

What can one say:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/8570398.stm

Was it an assault with a deadly weapon or or just a “little” altercation? What a complete dork.

Wilt

Brum..............

It was difficult to avoid this headline today: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/8575046.stm with six social workers sacked in Birmingham, and it was all over the “today” programme on Radio 4 this morning http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/

The term “sacked” is of course rather emotive and the question of why managers were not sacked too remains uncertain – we suspect however that may be captured in the internal reorganisation in Birmingham as managers are lost, re-assigned or retired in a streamlined management structure.

The facts remain however that as a Council Birmingham is far too large, far too disparate (and desperate) in terms of its communities and too stressed to ever succeed in its service delivery. The answer has to be to dismantle and reconstruct the Council into anything up- to- four separate Council’s to make it more manageable. Will it happen?   Not under this Government!

There are, I heard on the radio today, 20% sickness rates among staff in social services and on top of that the Council relies very heavily upon agency staff. Agency staff are not exactly bad news nor indeed unusual in any authority (these days or indeed throughout my near 40 year career in social work) and that is something of a red herring. Many agency staff are excellent, and as we know many new social workers are taking this route before committing, as previously observed:  http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/2010/03/agency-work/

However, Birmingham is totally fucked up (anyone sensible will tell you it has been for decades) and some social workers are now paying the price – we suspect so will be some managers, but they will probably get paid off or retired. We know, from numerous correspondents that even the most able of social workers join Birmingham and are dragged DOWN by the culture of failure – there is little there to reinforce positive action or competence. It is simply, here are another 10 cases which are impossible to manage. “Just get on with it.”

The head of children’s services in Birmingham (Colin Tucker) of course hails from Sandwell MBC – and look at what a fucking mess he left there! Whereas the guy needs to be given some latitude we wonder is he really up to the job?

Mind you, is anyone up to the job?  Wilt has his doubts on both questions.

Are there any health visitors, education welfare officers, police officers et al being sacked or disciplined – if they are forgive me for missing those details. Yet they are equally if not in some instances more responsible for failings in child welfare.

Believe me, I am no lover of Birmingham Council social services, but social workers are again getting a good bashing in the news – that is not to say that the “Birmingham Six [social workers]” are without the need to be “sacked” or indeed may be innocent, in full or part. No doubt the Rottweiler’s at the GSCC are licking their lips at culling a few more registrants – they just love damaging social workers and the profession and enjoy a close relationship with the Sun readers of this island nation.

The Guardian (oh yeah – guardian of what exactly?) publish a report here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/mar/19/birmingham-council-sacks-social-workers

The Telegraph are not terribly interested http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7478004/Birmingham-council-sacks-six-social-workers-after-Khyra-Ishaq-case.html

The Times likewise uninterested: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article7068220.ece

The Mail just aint up to it, yet: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1259085/Khyra-Ishaq-Birmingham-council-members-sacked-child-deaths.html

And

Community Care aint yet woken up (as at 11:26) to the news at all: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/

Mind you the latter rarely wake up before noon!

There will, again, be tears before bedtime and no doubt the GSCC will fuck up over this issue too.

Wilt

Whistling in the dark.............

This press release from the GSCC is an utter disgrace. They first off presume they have a future (at all), second they believe they have something to contribute, third they assume any competence (they are under special measures) but fourth and worst of all they believe they have the moral foundation (“compass”) to judge others.

See the press release here: http://www.gscc.org.uk/News+and+events/Media+releases/Media_release_17-03-10.htm

We believe this is the equivalent of “whistling in the dark” (as in nervously walking down a dark alley feeling very nervous but trying to appear confident to ward off an attack). In reality the GSCC are fighting for their life and they are grasping at any opportunity which might deter any further attack on their status e.g. we are big girls and do not take us on.

The fact is “darlings”  your future is already written, and it aint as you hope or aspire to – you’re dead meat girlies and no amount of whistling  will improve your chances of winning confidence with anyone.

We see the Care Standards Tribunal continue to regard the GSCC as utter dorks, see here: http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Public/View.aspx?ID=1071

Wilt is aware that other findings will yet further prove the fuck ups of this most fucked up organisation.

Twats!

Wilt

The devil in the detail............

This a load of tosh, £48 Million is a complete waste as it will not even begin to address any key issues facing frontline or even back office social work – Labour simply rely on the term “frontline” to mask the FACT that whoever wins the election the local authority budget (wherever you live) is going to be utterly slashed – by up to 30%.

See Ed (the fuck head) Balls article here from Community Care: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/17/114067/frontline-social-work-to-be-transformed.htm

He obviously thinks that we are all idiots by thinking we will all jump up and down in delight and pay homage to the fuck head but who in fact cares shit about social care or children.

Extra money for Cafcass – more cash for another waste of space. “Oh it is failing” – let’s throw some money at it! It might help Balls sleep better at night but for certain it aint going to help one little bit anyone else.

Utter twat. He still reminds me of Damien (aka the devil) whenever I see his picture.

Wilt

Slapheads...............

Brick (http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/) has a lovely posting here http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/2010/03/17/you-really-need-to-read-this/

The source material id here: http://www.mentalnurse.org.uk/2010/03/slapheads-social-workers/#more-3070

I just love it.

Wilt

Wilt is back - but not for long..........

The Wilt is back – please line up in an orderly queue!

He has been away an will be again next week and various weeks over the summer – busy boy! And that does not include the Malta trip.

However, whilst Wilt has been away Mrs C has been keeping an eye on Regulator Watch and ensuring it has not felt lonely – she is very dedicated having visited 16 times in 4 days! That is an average of four times a day.

So far today it is only once that Mrs C has visited – what will it be by the end of the day?

Unfortunately whilst Wilt was away his dongle (no I said dongle – as in mobile broadband thing that plugs into his laptop) was not working and therefore he had no internet access. Hence no updates on Regulator Watch other than those authorised to upload.

However, dongle thing now fixed. What dork named a dongle, anyway?

So, there is lots of news to catch up on and in the hours and days to come we will be giving our take on the key issues.

We have however heard that Mrs C is complaining that some people (not Wilt) are calling into question her capacity and moral standing to act as a foster parent. Oh dear! What an awful assertion – but justified.

Wilt will add that Mrs C always complains, loves to complain about social workers, certain fostering agencies, numerous quango and independent consultants – so she can now get a taste of what it feels like to be complained of herself – and of course it will be here forever.

And of course Mrs C is famous (actually infamous) through her own media hungry desire for self promotion as a angelic victim – nun with a switchblade more like. So any internet search engine will find these pages.

Furthermore she has now exhausted every agency who she can complain to and her pet MP (the beach/dunes loving James Plaskitt) is rather busy preparing for an election he will inevitably lose. And then what Mrs C do? The incoming MP has already been briefed and Mr Cameron (the likely next Prime Minister) is well aware of Mrs C, of old.

She has no idea what is waiting in the wings of Regulator Watch – perhaps lurking in that Happen Files section or perhaps not? However, no lost or stolen files – just simple paperwork obtained quite legally and are in the public domain (or otherwise distributed by Mrs C).

Happy times ahead, at least for some of us!

Wilt

Please.............

OK it is the Telegraph (not exactly social care friendly) and as yet there is no SCR completed, but the reporting of this further death of a child from alleged neglect is not going to help the retention of social workers.

See the report here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7430464/Parents-plead-guilty-to-neglecting-girl-found-hanged-in-her-bedroom.html

Social care is going to need some very serious attention after the election.

Wilt (with head in hands)

More fireworks..............

Wilt wondered what was going to happen with this case – Rosalind Shaw. It is listed here for a Care Standards Tribunal appeal date to be fixed.

http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Public/View.aspx?ID=1072

Rosalind Shaw’s case  was reported in Community Care, here:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2009/10/06/112793/hospital-social-worker-struck-off-for-repeated-failings.htm

The GSCC press notice is here:

http://www.gscc.org.uk/News+and+events/Media+releases/Rosalind+Shaw+conduct+hearing.htm

Wilt commented at the time:

“Well, let us take Rosalind Shaw a 65 year old Hospital Social Worker. There is no suggestion that she was a serial failing social worker over many years. She never robbed anyone or shagged her clients. At the end of a career most of us are ready to be shelved and our performance and energy is less than it should be – in fact it must be rare to find social workers still active at 65 years.” – see: http://regulatorwatch.co.uk/2009/10/dorks-with-bells-on/

There was nothing proportionate in removing the woman from the Register and it seems Ms Shaw agrees.

What is ironic is that the GSCC attempted to have the appeal “struck out” but the Care Standards Tribunal have refused. The GSCC had asked for more time to submit evidence for the “strike out” (which has not been forthcoming for months) and yet when Shaw (who had not attended the GSCC hearing) had previously asked the GSCC for a postponement, they refused.

What goes around comes around!

These case matters are always difficult to predict, but I remain amazed the woman was removed from the register – I think the Tribunal might find it a bit excessive. Again the issue is competence (and probably difficult working conditions) and not conduct. If there was ever a misuse and abuse of the term “conduct” the GSCC hold the gold medal as they are equally guilty of abusing process and power.

Good luck Rosalind.

Fireworks................

This is going to be an interesting case. It had many a headline during the prolonged GSCC hearing and Hofstetter had a bit of a disagreement with Community Care on their reporting of the case.

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/12/114043/Children39s-social-worker-to-appeal-against-being-struck.htm

A supporter of Hofstetter was once a regular correspondent on these pages and there is certainly another side to the story. Regrettably Wilt will be away for the appeal to the Care Standards Tribunal, otherwise he would have observed.

Keep calm Jacinter - however justified you might be how the GSCC deal with things.

Wilt

An irish perspective...............

An Irish perspective..........

Wilt has had a helpful suggestion from a colleague via email:

Hi - I have been enjoying your site for some time now and fully agree with your take on the role of the great and the good who regulate our working lives and if we step out of the narrow line, our personal lives which can be drawn into the mix for the worthies to pontificate about.

Somehow you have managed not to include the latest regional regulator of social care, the above which came into being in 2001 but didn't seem to do much with anyone until 2005.  Based closely on the model of the GSCC, they pretty well follow the same well worn path, extracting vast total sums from the NI social care workforce so that they can park their well upholstered asses in their plush city centre offices in Belfast and regale us with all that they are allegedly doing to support us and our standards of practice. They can be found at www.niscc.info.

Their latest newsletter on the site makes a big fuss of telling us how they are making the codes of practice work for us by providing all registrants with a bookmark with a printed summary of the codes on it. That should make bedtime reading lead to restful sleep - not.  Page 6 has a wonderful spread about how the NISCC has performed against its business objectives with a heartwarming Objective 2 display listing the number of the hapless among us who have fallen into their clutches and survived or not as the case may be. Nowhere in the article about making the codes work for us or in the objectives spread is there any mention of how registrants can use the codes to deal with poor and ineffective managers who fail to follow the employer code of practice nor indeed any sign that the NISCC is interested in doing so. Plus ca change plus c'est la meme. C'est la vie. How come it is always french phrases that seem to be most applicable to our weird and wonderful regulators?

Anyway I started out just to ask you to include the NI worthies in your site and then got some angst off my chest while I had the chance. You know how it is.

And of course the correspondent is right – the NISCC (Northern Ireland Social Care Council) http://www.niscc.info/ is not listed as a category but is now.

It seems according to their history of hearings they have been busy boys and girls, see here: http://niscc.info/decisions_from_hearings-104.aspx

And so, let’s hear more views about them, or the Scottish or Welsh versions as well as our friends at the GSCC.

We like the idea of the NISCC “bookmark” listing the codes – I must get a copy. No doubt it was designed by the prince of horror books, Stephen King (http://www.stephenking.co.uk/home) – indeed nice bedtime reading.

You see there are those that do, and those that teach (or regulate, or inspect). It’s awfully easy to sit back and form an opinion on best practice, but less easy to put it into action and a nice earner to criticise as a bureaucrat that which one could not even begin to understand, let alone judge.

Anyway, our sincere gratitude to our correspondent for bringing this matter to our attention, and welcome to Regulator Watch – have fun. We hope you contribute to the Blog – your anonymity is assured as are your comments whether we agree with them or not.

Wilt

Ed the lad..................

Balls fucks up again!  See the article here: http://order-order.com/2010/03/11/making-the-most-of-a-rare-treat/

Mind you he is a bit of a pea brain but regrettably (for him) he has a mouth larger than his brain dimensions. Fucking idiot.

Wilt

MP expenses..............

Several little piggy’s went, not to market, but Court. And at least one other might yet do so. We are of course talking about MPs.

As yet there is no response about Wilt’s MP or that total twat Plaskitt MP who have complaints lodged against them.

Those in Court (attempted) suggested that they were beyond the law, are above the law and have privilege courtesy of Parliament. Utter twats.

Guido reports here:  http://order-order.com/2010/03/11/troughers-plead-not-guilty/

The BBC here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8561359.stm

The Telegraph here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/7421439/MPs-expenses-three-Labour-MPs-deny-fraud-charges.html

The Times here: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7058379.ece

We predict several little pigs might be going to prison

Wilt

GSCC backlog................

We will see if the GSCC are really up to scratch and remember quantity is no substitute for quality. See the article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114034/gscc-on-track-to-clear-backlog-of-cases-by-end-of-march.htm

At least half the backlog was probably down to Mrs C anyway – but they (among the rest of the world) have finally decided she is just a sad person living in a ex-council house in Leamington.

The GSCC have been doing rather well of late and so we hope this is a good sign, but there remain several Care Standards Tribunal appeal cases either to be reported upon or awaited. We suspect some of those are not going to find the GSCC as reasonable.

We will see...........

Wilt

Agency work

This is nothing new: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/11/114032/social-work-graduates-choose-agency-work-to-limit-stress.htm

I was reporting this in a speech at a conference in 2003. It is less to do with stress management but the wise move of some newly qualified social workers to test the field before investing – good move.

If any newly qualified need any advice on good, not so good and red alert places to work, just post a message and Wilt (and no doubt others) will pass on their views on potential employers – it is usually a lot more accurate than any Ofsted inspection report.

Wilt

Oooooooooooooops...........

See apology here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/social-work-blog/2010/03/lisa-arthurworrey-an-apology.html

Wilt

Perverts...........

What is wrong with some of these social workers? They obviously understand what they are doing is wrong. See the article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114024/social-worker-accused-of-sexual-relationship-with-client.htm

Of course it is not only social workers, it is doctors, dentists, psychiatric nurses, lawyers, probation officers, especially teachers and even foster carers. Of course, we must not forget the priests all over the catholic world. And it is not just men nut women too and regrettably it also sometimes involves children and young people being sexually exploited and/or abused.

More bromide in the tea we think. Does that work on women too?

Actually, it is no joking matter – these people are predators who inflict huge damage to their victims in the pursuit of their perverse fantasies.

Wilt

Swimming Lessons.............

Well, it seems BASW are really getting a bashing over the proposal to go for a separate Social Work College – now its academics. See article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114009/sector-leaders-shun-basw-college-plan.htm

Among them is Ray Jones who famously had q bit of a falling out with the previous CEO of BASW (not difficult) and knowing both men I can assure you Ray Jones is a very affable man. It is a real shame BASW are taking this approach and as indicated by the comments of the academics it is going to create division and confusion when what is needed is consensus and clarity.

Why, oh why oh why are these people doing this? And a better question is why do BASW think they have improved over their previous capacity of not being able to organise a piss up in a brewery? They are essentially entirely out of their depth.

Wilt

Proportionality...........

It seems the GSCC are becoming a little more thoughtful and considered in their judgements as is evidenced in this case, http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114008/lancashire-family-support-agency-worker-admonished.htm which is further encouraging of their newly found proportional response. It is in contrast of course to more historical cases, not least in relation to Arthurworrey as one example, where clearly they were out to earn their spurs and prove to the Government that they were worthy of their existence – a history littered with despicable and outrageous attitudes.

Whilst there are signs of improvement we have not yet removed them from the Dork List and of course we must not let them become complacent. They are of course fighting for their existence at the moment and are effectively still under special measures.

We are still watching.

Wilt

In for the cull.........

Whether it is local government or central government bodies (including quango) the realities of cutbacks, reducing outrageous perks and job slashing is becoming a daily headline. From the Government perspective it is reducing waste (which they created – mostly by Gordon) and the Conservatives which is remodelled as doing more for less. They are different sides of the same coin, except the Conservatives (rightly) would reduce public expenditure with or without a major budget deficit. Here is but one example:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/09/114010/efficiency-savings-could-lead-to-bigger-council-cuts-warn-directors.htm

and here:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article7056366.ece

My mate, who is a senior Conservative figure in the local Council, (and indeed other Councillors or all political colours in other areas) are explicit that cutbacks are possible without major effects upon so called “frontline” services. And posts (if not staff on the payroll) will very shortly no longer exist.

However, such cutbacks need to be combined with a reduction in expectations and paperwork (and culling a few quango entirely whilst combining others) as in rejecting aspects of Laming’s (Baby P) recommendations as essentially well intentioned but distorting of the role of social workers, as outlined in this article:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/10/114013/scrap-lamings-social-work-assessment-plans-says-lga.htm

and this one:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8558463.stm

Wilt once shared a stage with Laming (shortly after the latter retired) in giving a conference speech and met him later at another event – nice guy but (despite how he portrays himself) not very much of this world. He was after all a former senior Whitehall mandarin who although thoughtful, caring and hard working was and remains slightly unworldly and not grounded in the realities of modern social work.

When Wilt was a fledgling social worker the job was not easy but today he would, if starting out anew, be seriously challenged – it is only a wise old head and the ability to select what work he does which allows him to practice with a level of competence, partly as a auditor/inspector, occasional interim manager, tribunal member, children’s guardian and professional (“expert”) witness. Going back to the frontline of children and families work would be very hard, and I probably would not (at my time in life) quite come up to expectations.

Laming should perhaps reflect on his position as should his successor Dame Denise, both of whom were in fact good Social Services Inspectorate Chief Inspectors (and Denise also the former Chair of the former CSCI). However, it is Laming, hailed as the oracle of children’s social care, who needs to get a grip on avoiding the confusion where one cannot see the wood for the trees.

He is as indicated, well intentioned but lacking the recent knowledge of what it is like on the frontline.

He and Wilt, along with some other bloggers, however share a common status – those who can do, those who can’t teach!

At least Wilt is self deprecating in good British fashion. He read recently the reason for this British characteristic – it is because Britons have a long history whereupon they can self deprecate in the full knowledge that they have a long cultural/historical deposit to call upon, whilst others (like the USA) are still developing their history and as such continue to fly the flag and deny even the most obvious errors.

That reminds me of the GSCC – their history is not exactly littered with huge success, rather their efforts to fly their own flag. Perhaps, also similar to both Laming and that twat Ferkin Balls – the latter the demonic reincarnation of Damien.

Hard times and hard decisions ahead.

Wilt

Old farts.............

This is not looking good for BASW – there could be tears before bedtime. It is very sad really as Hilton Dawson was doing so well and it seems some are beginning to question his leadership skills – personally I still hope he overcomes those attacks.

At least he and Wilt share a dislike and sincere lack of regard for Ferkin Balls.

There are two new articles from Community Care, here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113992/basw-stands-firm-over-decision-to-ballot-members-over-college.htm

And here:

http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113993/basw-council-member-resigns-over-breakaway-college-ballot.htm

Criticisms are coming in thick and fast and from all points of the compass – so it aint just Wilt.

A round the pub table survey of friends/colleagues (including some retired or near retired old farts) agree with Wilt – BASW are on a expensive (£7000.00) suicide mission. We predict members as well as Committee members will be very unhappy. My straw poll may have been distorted a little as it was my turn to buy a round of drinks – and my mates tend to say anything I want if it means getting a drink out of Wilt.

I tend to agree with Ken Terry as quoted:

Ken Terry told Community Care that BASW was spending "several thousands of pounds" on holding a "meaningless referendum", and accused the association of rushing the council's vote.

I was so hopeful for BASW – ah well!

Wilt

Lisa A..........

Lisa gets there – eventually. See article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/08/113989/arthurworrey-wins-10-year-battle-for-registration.htm

Good luck Lisa.

Wilt

The GSCC get it right..........

Now, it is not very often Wilt can say that – so savour it. He does however sincerely hope it will not be the last time, whilst they continue to exist.

It is quite incredible that a qualified social worker of 30 years and is a team manager of a children and families team could conceivably and knowingly choose to live with a convicted sex offender. Why would one do that – on a personal and especially on a professional level?

She seems not to understand that it might cause the public and other professionals to question their competence and judgement. Nor does she seem to understand that her doubts about the safety of the conviction of her newly acquired partner might raise an eyebrow or two with most reasonable thinking people, let alone the Courts/police etc who will be working with her team in protecting children.

Unless she is a complete idiot she must be either living in a parallel world, high on drink or drugs or perhaps her lover has attached some brain control device to her head.

I mean, if the guy was convicted whilst they were already in a relationship and she believed he was innocent – that might get some sense of understanding in terms of her predicament, albeit I am uncertain if even that might permit her to continue as a social worker. But to choose to live with the guy after he was convicted and spent several years in prison – what was she thinking, for Gawds sake? Its breathtaking arrogance, an insult to the profession, the public she serves and me.

Her employer suspended her – what a surprise, not! The GSCC imposed an interim suspension order which is equally not of surprise and her appeal to the Care Standards Tribunal (see here: http://www.carestandardstribunal.gov.uk/Public/View.aspx?ID=1069) was dismissed.

What a way to end a career – it does however cause you to wonder what other daft decisions she has made in the past and, I would have thought, would require a serious review of her earlier casework which no doubt will have involved cases involving child protection.

Are the employers engaging in that review we wonder? If she is capable of making such poor decisions and applying such poor analysis of risk, what other trail might she have left behind her? The dimensions and seriousness of her flawed thinking, acting in a qualified capacity (and especially as a team leader), is wide ranging – any half decent solicitors representing parents will have an utter field day with this case matter. The outcome is potentially utterly devastating.

There are some very odd women in Warwickshire, which includes Coventry (the latter being an executive Unitary Authority within the County).   Very odd, indeed.

But, at least the GSCC got it right (who in part are just based down the road in Rugby – Warwickshire) this time.

We wonder if Community Care and others will pick up on this case and realise the implications.

Wilt

ps: apologies for late reporting – was too busy visiting Salop.

Sunny Salop............

Wilt is visiting his mate in Shropshire, a very sunny Shropshire but rather chilly. Salty Dog is eying up the competition – a rather better well behaved border collie. We like this part of the world which usually we slip by en route to north Wales, even though we have good friends in the territory.

Very comfortable too – toasty warm and all the newspapers there to read over a rather large breakfast both yesterday and today. And this man has enough computer power and technology to serve the whole region, and the physical and virtual security tools that ensures complete independence – he even has his own backup power supply!

Anyway, after the pub lunch later (and a snooze) Wilt will help polish off that further and rather revealing press release to be revealed on his Salop friends website.

Great stuff – nothing ventured nothing gained.

Back to work tomorrow, and to Mrs Wilt who gave permission (!) for this trip.

Wilt (in Salop)

Piggy Plaskitt.............

Poor Mr Plaskitt MP needs  a massive grant to communicate with his constituents – we wonder why? See the article here in the Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/7386502/MPs-demand-right-to-travel-first-class.html

He states:

"I [already] end up subsidising the operation from my own resources. Curb what is allowed in this area and you curb the service we give to our constituents."

At least half of his budget must be in dealing with one constituent in particular, we suspect.

The rest of the article gives over to other little piggy’s needing to travel first class on trains so that they can work – not that Plaskitt does much when he is actually in the House, certainly not of late if you check his Hansard record.

We think MPs should travel first class as it keeps them out of second class where you find a better sort of person – however they should pay the extra cost out of their own pockets.

Wilt

Salty Dog............

It seems Salt Dog will need to undergo training and examination, or is it Wilt that needs to be micro chipped and tested? Clarkson has his take:   http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/jeremy_clarkson/article7052392.ece

All I hope is that they do not breathalyse Salty Dog – it might prove embarrassing.

We just love Jeremy.

Wilt

Perversion............

The conviction of this mad woman for perverting the course of justice and wasting police time, causing massive expenditure in wasted police resources reminded me of someone – now who might that be? My mind is searching for a name. See the article here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/mar/04/rape-claims-gail-sherwood

Answers please on a inscribed pin head. That should help narrow it down.

Wilt

LSC..........

Our fellow blogger Brick on his website Wall has a few thoughts on the abolition of the LSC (Legal Services Commission) who allocate public funds to lawyers (no Mrs C “lawyers” not frauds claiming to be one).

The Guardian reports the matter here:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/mar/03/legal-services-commission-abolished

Brick on his Wall Blog (http://wallofbrick.wordpress.com/) gives a fuller and more detailed and personal account of this latest move. It is one among several efforts to manage the out of control public expenditure on both criminal and civil law costs paid to both lawyers and experts.

Brick (and my own) particular interest is the impact on civil proceedings e.g. care proceedings concerning children.

Brick may disagree with me, but I have always argued that the Children Act 1989 was a “charter for lawyers” (and GaLs/experts) – it was hailed as the “charter for children”, which is utter bollocks. Nevertheless, these moves (abolition of the LSC, CAFCASS meltdown and cutting of expert fees) are a little worrying and will indeed impact on Wilt, or at least potentially.

Ah well – other opportunities emerge which will keep the income flowing but of course the central concern of children and families representation in the further meltdown of local authority services (and local government in general) will probably result in further social care disasters. Thank you Mr Balls and Brown – utter Dorks.

Of course the public expenditure deficit could be significantly reduced if Mrs C of that Royal town simply stopped complaining and put a very large gag in her oversized gob! Sadly, not much hope of that – not yet.

Wilt

Heroes/heroines...........

Wilt has been working hard, hence his absence from the Blog. However, he has been doing some catching up with, even for him, an earlier than normal start to the day.

It seems according to Community Care: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113956/one-third-of-foster-carers-forced-to-consider-giving-up.htm that foster parents are displeased with their remuneration, and that comes as no surprise as they are as a whole undervalued and not really seen by many in social care as partners.

It is further reported here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8548636.stm by the BBC.

Let me be clear, the vast majority of foster parents are true professionals, occasionally far more grounded and professional than some of those spotty faced newly qualified social workers, their managers and elected members – generally, although not always the voluntary and independent agencies are much better at managing these services and is one area where local authorities would be best to chuck in the towel.

I say generally as to be fair some local authorities are very good at it, but even the best of them struggle.

Foster care is no panacea as there remains as evidenced (mostly in the private sector) in the high numbers of children’s homes in operation. Equally, as there are Dork social workers there are utter idiots and charlatans among the ranks of foster parents, purely out for their own ends and to do as little as possible and, in order to divert attention from their failings/inadequacies, spend immense energy in finding fault with others – as in Mrs C.

So whereas the VAST majority of foster parents work hard, diligently and with complete focus on the child, others (and there is usually one per agency) simply want to create as much havoc as possible in the hope of promoting their personal vanity and lazy/false suggestion of their talents in professional child care. They are a distraction which on the whole obscures the tireless but genuine foster parents who quietly get on with the very hard task of caring for neglected, rejected and abused children, of all ages.

In days gone by the former National Foster Care Association, now the Fostering Network (http://www.fostering.net/) were an organisation you could do business with and were a true and righteous political pressure group, led by good people who, although occasionally lacking a sense of reality, actually cared about children.

They struggled in balancing the factual portrayal (then) of foster carers being intrinsically and instinctively motivated by no personal gain (other than caring for children) and the aspiration that they should be recognised as equal professionals. That struggle is ongoing sadly, but the new Fostering Network does not help itself when failing to distinguish between really good foster carers and really rather poor, questionably motivated people like Mrs C – it is rumoured/reported (from numerous sources) that Mr C is the real foster parent whilst Mrs C is just, well, a waste of space and to boot does not give a shit. And these are reliable sources.

Most “normal” people simply get on with the job – they perform well and are rewarded by results. Some however do the least possible and divert attention away from their personal failures, as in Mrs C.

A bit like social work, foster care is as much a passion and vocation as it is a professional task (unless you are Mrs C et al) but it is imperative that there is “body” which promotes its advance. As BASW is a false hope for social work, so equally is the Fostering Network under its current leadership.

If the Fostering Network (among others) wish to (and it seems it is a wish) defend the likes of Mrs C on the indefensible, then so be it – all it will achieve will be to drag itself down to the level of Mrs C, which it has done hitherto even to values and means exploited by the GSCC, and one gets low in moral standards at that level. In a case matter even the GSCC considered the Fostering Network as a hopeless witness in a (unpublished) finding and the Police were simply, well, spitting in their contempt for this (so called) representatives of foster carers.

Dorks come to mind.

However, better recognition (professionally) is necessary – they like others will however need to ride out the recession and consequential major cutbacks soon upon us. They remain however, with a few exceptions, my heroes.

Wilt

Just lost..............

Just lost..............

Private fostering has been a disgrace for centuries let alone decades or in fact during the term of this Government.

This area of practice remains little understood and even less cared about (despite Climbe) and very much under resourced.

See the article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/childrens-services-blog/2010/03/privately-fostered-three-year-old-killed-by-carers-in-wolverhampton.html

And Wolverhampton is now at the forefront of the next disaster in failing to address this age old problem. It is a problem probably replicated in every Council in the land, but a further major accident somewhere is waiting to happen.

Wilt

Who gives a shit..............

BASW are I am afraid, very afraid, again losing the plot. Wilt had great hopes for Hilton Dawson but has increasingly edged towards the conclusion that he has become infected with the BASW virus of “not living in the real world.”

Or is it that BASW (and Hilton) have complete delusions of grandeur?

It is a real shame, BASW were shaping up after the disastrous intervention of its previous total idiot (expenses laden and alcohol driven Scottish Dork – first order with ribbons) leader (sic) only to become increasingly it seems to me lost in its own false reality – as in anyone really understands them.

See the article here: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113959/basw-asked-to-step-down-from-social-work-college-talks.htm

It is a disgrace that BASW are the organisation (whose membership fee is no small amount) can be “sidelined” even by this even more disgraceful Government. And  they have the temerity to say they will set up their own college: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/04/113975/childrens-minister-criticises-basw-college-pledge.htm

What is wrong with these people?

In the wake of the loss of Michael Foot, a man I loved and few could regard as anything other than a political icon, one is given to remember some of his foibles, not least his “manifesto” designated as the “longest suicide note in history.” It seems BASW are doing the same for social care as that manifesto did for the labour party.

Wilt sadly never ever met Foot although he did meet Tony Benn, a not dissimilar political icon, but he did get a feeling for both as conviction politicians as distinct from today the career politicians, although would add Blair and Thatcher, and indeed Churchill as political heroes.

Whereas some have merit, warts and all, where does former MP Hilton Dawson fit? A wannabe social care battle warrior fighting the wrong enemy, perhaps?  A lost soul in the crap of BASW?

Whatever, Wilt is putting off his membership application to BASW.

Wilt

Hearings........

Here is the latest list of GSCC hearings: http://www.gscc.org.uk/Conduct/Conduct_hearings/Upcoming_hearings/

And here are the latest Care Standards Tribunal list of hearings: http://www.gscc.org.uk/Conduct/Conduct_hearings/Upcoming_hearings/

The GSCC are to revise their website and you can comment here: http://www.gscc.org.uk/Home/ - beware however they log who has commented! We wonder why?

Wilt

Blogging...........

Here is a list of search terms (mostly Google) used to access Regulator Watch Statistics for Regulator Watch Feb 2010 during February 2010.

“All very interesting”, said the professor. In addition there are of course those who simply access the Blog through a “saved” URL and others who access via a link in another Blog or website.

The Blog has had traffic from a wide range of public bodies (police, government departments, local authorities, Ofsted, GSCC, the information commissioner et al) the majority of which is generated by complaints by Mrs C in Warwickshire. As yet the milk marketing board have yet to visit! Some are friends (insiders) of Wilt in those agencies who are very familiar with Mrs C. Wisely they do not use their work computers to leave postings on the Blog.

Mr Plaskitt MP has disappeared entirely – we suspect his focus may be on the upcoming election in his very marginal seat.

By far the most prolific visitor is Mrs C rising from an average 3 times daily to up to 7-8 times some days and late into the night on occasions. She leaves her muddy footprint (hobnail boots) all over the Blog and yet will not contribute. As usual she does everything by proxy i.e. complaining to others. Something about missing/stolen files or something!

Yesterday she visited 4 times – last weekend over a dozen times, even whilst away from home via t-mobile. Now, that is true obsession.

Overall traffic on the website is growing from all over the world but the UK remaining by far the largest. Nothing from Turkey yet, although Wilt knows a man who has a summer visitor to his website from that location – wonder who that might be?

We love the blogosphere and of course there are now offspring (sons and daughters) of Regulator Watch and other Blogs linking to us, which we reciprocate.

There remains efforts by some to “spam” messages selling everything you could think of – hence the need to moderate.

Now the LGA (Local Government Association) are encouraging much more engagement with the press according to this Community Care article: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/2010/03/01/113928/lga-urges-social-workers-to-develop-relations-with-media.htm

File Doctor et al are now doing this on the Mrs C case matter. They keep going on about something called “freedom of expression” although unlike Mrs C those correspondents actually use facts as distinct from distorted or data restricted to a certain point of view (such as Plaskitt MP or Mrs C might like – you know the full details, and things which others would prefer not be published.

Wilt

Ferkin Freezing.............

Mrs Wilt took it upon herself to have a £30,000 new fitted kitchen - OK we can afford it. All new floor/wall tiles together with (all marble throughout) unit top’s set off by solid oak bespoke kitchen units – and I do not mean just the front doors!

New lighting too - in fact enough to serve Heathrow runway (s)!

Oh and of course there are those top of the range German (Yuk – would prefer British) cooker hoods, oven(s), hob(s) and sink unit(s) fitted (huge) fridge freezer and dish washer(s).  It all looks very good on the design our LOCAL small business people/fitters have supplied – and I think they will produce an excellent product. GO LOCAL – keep it British as far as you can.

And we thought; whilst we are at it, let’s replace the central heating boiler too.

All the old stuff, well we will have it recycled into the garage – a second kitchen cum laundry – even more for the cleaner to keep spick and span.

In the mean time I am ferkin freezing.

What I never realized (but should have) was the whole of the gas supply would be disconnected – hence no heat.

I and Salty Dog are cuddling up in bed trying to retain some warmth. All the banging, cutting, drilling etc however prevents any effort at even snoozing – by tomorrow night the central heating should be back on and, courtesy of the boiler scrappage scheme we get £400 off the cost – thank you. See: http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/Home-improvements-and-products/Heating-and-hot-water/Boiler-Scrappage-Scheme

And you know the odd thing is, neither Mrs Wilt or yours truly really actually cook – it will however have a nice (fitted) new microwave too.

How many households do you know of that have two washing machines, tumble dryer, two fridge freezers, two dishwashers and three fitted 1.5 sink units?  Not to mention various ovens and hobs and microwaves. Salty Dog will be busy doing the washing and ironing, loading and unloading the dishwasher and doing the cooking.

It is a good dog, very cuddly and warm too – however it needs some better under arm deodorant, and some possible better toothpaste to improve dental hygiene.

Mind you, that is what Mrs Wilt says about Wilt. (grrrrr). It comes of using toothpaste under my arms and swilling my mouth with cider – did I get that wrong?

Perhaps we can move Ms or Master Wilt into the garage - now that is a good idea!

Next projects the granny flat extension and the loft conversion and finally the atrium - cosy.

Wilt (meanwhile sneezing)

Decimation..............

The Romans had a process known as decimation for ineffective or mutinous soldiers where one in 10 would be culled. It tended to focus the minds of the troops!

Well, that is what is happening in local authorities up and down the land – and it aint all bad despite what the unions and others might say. My political friends have talked not only about 5, 10 – 20% budget cuts but also 30 % cuts over a two to three year cycle, and although these are extreme they do reflect the bloody mess of the economy and they confirm there is some scope for efficiency savings – especially in Chief Executive offices, middle and senior management.

See the BBC article here:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8528836.stm

It will mean massive outsourcing of services too.

And of course it will not be just local authorities – central government and especially quangos will find themselves either no longer existing or very much reduced in size. There will be a lot of squealing as the knife hovers over the throats of those bloated tax revenue over resourced and unaffordable government workers with excessive holiday, sick leave and pension perks.

It is what Tony Blair aimed for but which Gordon Brown has consistently undermined in favour of putting more and more tax money into public (sic) services. Now even he is squealing infamy, infamy, they have all got it in for me – actually it’s called reality.

The Telegraph has this take on the matter:   http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/jobs/7337946/Worst-round-of-council-job-losses-for-a-generation-with-25000-predicted-to-go.html

Less tax for Wilt, more outsourced work and a significant fewer are holes claiming outrageous expenses.

Excellent!

And with fewer quango and even less government bloated toads, where on earth will Mrs C go? Whose ear will she be able to bend? Who the hell will have time to deal with her stupid, self-serving and distorted, unnecessary concerns? Not that they give a shit anyway.

And of course Plaskitt lad will be off on other equally personal wealth producing scams and can rightly, and no doubt relieved, relinquish his commitment to “his constituent” as he hands over to a new member of parliament.

The new potential incumbent is well versed in the Mrs C case matter.

Wilt