It is stated that “street cleaning and rubbish collection could be outsourced to save money” (‘Privatisation plan to keep streets tidy’, Times Series, November 20). However, no evidence to support this assertion is given.
In May, a new council was elected. Those in the majority on Barnet Borough Council must have had outsourcing in mind, but we heard nothing of this at the time.
Recent years have seen worsening pay and conditions for many employees — especially those in the public sector.
One can only suppose that Barnet Borough Council thinks it could ‘save money’ by using companies that would make pay and conditions even worse.
The Government and Barnet Council seem determined to make employees pay the price of their austerity programme — a ploy deliberately designed to cut back on public provision.
Such jobs that have materialised under their stewardship have often been part-time and are overwhelmingly insecure and poorly-paid.
I would think many members of the public would object to Barnet taking these short cuts at the expense of council employees.
Councillor Dean Cohen says that this matter being discussed by full council would “delay or curtail public consultation”. But surely discussion by full council would bring this to greater public attention, allow more scrutiny by the press and the council would have to explain itself properly?
Cllr Alan Schneiderman asserts that outsourcing would bring a worse service and he describes the current model as successful. He makes serious points and they deserve to be discussed seriously —in full council.
David Beere
Colin Crescent, Colindale
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