Ed Miliband has come out in favour of Councils beefing up their Scrutiny arrangements, which makes the spectacle of Labour dominated Brent Council virtually abolishing its scrutiny function even more peculiar. Of the three functions I suggested in earlier postings, the one Ed concentrates on is scrutinising the Council's own spending. This is an important role, but I would also make a plea for scrutinising the role of partners spending public money in Brent. I have always felt there is a real opportunity here for Councils to have an important influencing power, if they can be persuaded to use it.
It is disappointing that what should be a serious function of the Council should be treated in such a bumbling and inept fashion. It augers ill for the new concentration of power in the hands of the Council Leader.
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