Sharing services could mean losing jobs

Our correspondent Scanner has put pen to paper once again on the issue of pursuing privatisation of Boston Borough Council's services, and thinks that there are dangers ahead if the plans come to fruition.


It really does seem as though our councillors want to relieve themselves of any responsibility for the services the Council currently provide.
I can see the attraction.
The excuse will be, “I have listened to your complaint but it’s not mine or the council’s fault. It’s the fault of ……………. (whichever firm that ‘won’ the contract). I will take it up with them” (and will the firm listen? – fat chance! - and there will be little the council can do).
Costs will inevitably rise as services worsen.
But there will be only a small drop in numbers of staff in Worst Street as much monitoring of these firms will have to take place.
I bet there will not be fewer councillors either.
Word is that there have been at least two firms, so far, who have visited us to look at the waste collection services.
One, it seems, may be strapped for cash.
The other hailed from Grimsby, I understand.
It seems they want to use the vehicles they already have in Grimsby here in Boston as well.
Just make sure the A16 is kept clear!
The only sufferer, from any of these proposed takeovers, could be the council staff at street level.
If history has anything to show us, these staff will soon find that those firms may relieve themselves over them, as any employment agreements soon seem to be ignored or forgotten.
I maintain that over reliance in using shared services will also mean a loss of councillor responsibility and, as I’ve written previously, could lead to a net loss of workers living in Boston as well.
Earlier I mentioned learning the lessons from history, and I wonder does history repeat itself as well?
With the departure of Mick Gallagher and rumours of a deal with South Holland, are we going back pre 1974 and resurrecting the old County of Holland? As far I can remember there was little love between Boston and Spalding then, and I don’t think things have changed much since!

Hardly the basis for a “good marriage” even worse if a ‘shotgun’ is involved

SCANNER

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