View Full Version : Coventry to Join "Greater Birmingham Council"
It basically looks like an effort to save money, with a few added bonuses: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-32792701
I don't like the idea of Coventry re-merging with Warwickshire; the reason the city was peeled away from the county was that it was too big: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-tory-leader-joining-greater-9289183
rebbonk
19-05-2015, 09:25 PM
There is only one good thing to ever come out of Birmingham, the A45 back to Coventry!
This idea was tried before, it didn't work. The people of Coventry don't want it (Someone please explain to Lucas what democracy is!) and any Mayor elected is likely to be Birmingham centric.
I see this as yet more bullsh*t that will create layers of bureaucracy and cost the tax payers a lot of money. My guess is that there are councillors on Coventry Council that know their days are numbered and are looking for other avenues.
Equally Lex, I quite understand why Warwickshire wouldn't want us. However, if we are forced to go down this route, I see the Coventry Warwickshire option as the lesser of the evils for all concerned.
Looks like the West Midlands Combined Authority will be going ahead next year: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-33417772
rebbonk
07-07-2015, 08:41 AM
It looks like a done deal doesn't it? Time to stop the money eating consultation/engagement garbage and come clean.
Lucas will rue the day she sold us out. Some of us have long memories!
I'm slightly worried that Warwickshire will eventually be sucked into this - our police force already has an alliance with West Midlands Police. The north of the county would fit in well with the Combined Authority, but the south of the county is largely rural and of a completely different nature.
rebbonk
10-07-2015, 09:46 AM
I remember the West Midlands council from a few years back. This will end up being a repeat of that. The only beneficiary will be Birmingham.
I don't see this Combined Authority as benefiting anyone. Pickles has already admitted that Local Authorities are riddled with corruption and that it is up to us to sort it out! I see this making things worse, because it will be even more difficult to seek out all the special little relationships and sweet deals that are going on.
I also see Warwickshire being dragged into this, and as you rightly point out, what does Birmingham (who will run things) know about country areas and their needs/requirements?
People keep on pointing to Greater Manchester and saying how good it is. Perhaps asking some of the residents of Salford (or similar) might give a different and more realistic view? Manchester itself has certainly done well out of things!
There has been talk of Stratford District Council working with councils in Northamptonshire. I can see this working for the Stratford District more than being swallowed by Birmingham; we have a lot more in common with Northants., south Worcestershire, Gloucestershire & northern Oxfordshire than Brum and Walsall!
Coventry City Council are holding some drop-in sessions about the new authority. It's the usual affair, though - most of the sessions are being held when no-one but the elderly & unemployed are available to turn up!
http://www.coventry.gov.uk/news/article/1362/drop-in_session_for_coventry_residents_to_have_their_sa y_on_combined_authority
rebbonk
11-08-2015, 08:36 AM
It's pointless, we know it's a done deal.
Lucas has made it quite clear that we are going to throw our hand in with Birmingham. These drop in sessions are nothing more than a waste of money trying to convince the electorate that the council is doing the right thing. There has been several polls locally clearly showing Lucas that we don't want this enforced on us, but Lucas is pressing ahead for her own reasons.
The reason we won't be given a referendum is not due to time-scales or anything else, it's because Lucas knows full well we'll vote against anything to do with Birmingham.
I only hope that come the next local election where Lucas and Maton are up for re-election, the people remember them for what they have done to this city.
Looks like Warwickshire's signing up too. I won't be happy if the County Council drags us into this: http://www.rugbyadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/votes-due-on-joining-west-mids-super-council-1-6936149
It's going to be worse than how the population of Coventry are being treated. A few seconds on the County Council's daily 'news', announcing we'll be able to watch the meeting over the internet tomorrow. This isn't even lip service to democracy - short notice, and at a time where no-one will be watching. I doubt the video will even be posted on their website:
http://news.warwickshire.gov.uk/blog/2015/09/02/60-second-news-02092015-full-county-council-meeting-on-thursday/
rebbonk
02-09-2015, 07:37 PM
Sadly where these muppets are concerned, democracy really is an illusion.
I wonder if malfeasance in office could be leveled at them? - Interesting if we could get some legals to do pro-bono on it!
Sadly where these muppets are concerned, democracy really is an illusion.
I wonder if malfeasance in office could be leveled at them? - Interesting if we could get some legals to do pro-bono on it!
Is there anyone out there who can help?
Stratford District's being dragged into this too. Well done to the a*******s on the council for publicising the consultation so effectively - NOT
http://www.stratford-herald.com/41260-district-council-decide-not-to-commit-to-combined-authority-for-now.html
http://www.stratford-herald.com/41318-combined-authority-plan-lacks-clarity.html
At least WCC has seen sense: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-34136729
rebbonk
03-09-2015, 08:21 PM
The whole thing stinks.
To me it amounts to malfeasance in public office. We elect these people to represent us and to look after our interests. So far all local polls have indicated that the electorate don't want this, hence we are not being represented.
Further, my understanding is that this hangs on us having an elected mayor (like London). Coventry voted against this a while back.
I really hope that we do find a knight in shining armour who will pursue this sham of democracy through the courts.
Hopefully, WCC voting against the idea has put a bit of a spanner in the works. As far as I understand from what I've read, ALL the councils in Warwichshire have to agree to agree to this (County & District/Borough) before the county joins the Greater Brum Council.
I can only think that Chris Saint (haha) of Stratford DC is looking to use the position of 'observer' on the new authority for his own personal advantage.
rebbonk
04-09-2015, 07:33 PM
.... is looking to use the position ... on the new authority for his own personal advantage.
I honestly think that that is the case all round. I've yet to see a Councillor not in it for what they can get out for themselves. I think I mentioned it on here before that I was reliably told that if I thought corruption in Parliament was rife, I ought take a close look at local government!
Whilst it's often difficult to prove, 'sweet' deals do go on and money does change hands. As an apprentice I worked with a local Councillor, and he was living far better than his day job would pay. - And I would suggest he was one of the more honest ones!
More recently, I employed a Councillor on contract. He was rarely ever at work, yet still drove a fancy car, dressed in very sharp suits and generally lived the good life.
OK, I don't know the full facts of their personal finances, but I'd take a bl**dy good guess that their money wasn't inherited.
Nuneaton's signing up. This could be a good move for them economywise, but there's always the chance of just being swallowed up by the other councils: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-34276817
rebbonk
17-09-2015, 08:53 PM
Harvey will live to regret it. He also ought be holding a local referendum.
I'd rather be the poor relation to Warwickshire than the poor relation to Birmingham!
If this kind of thing has to happen, I'd rather join up with councils in Worcestershire than join up with Btum & the Black Country. I can't shift the feeling Chris Saint is up to something, though: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/district-council-leader-open-to-working-with-worcestershire-councils-8405/
rebbonk
18-09-2015, 05:20 PM
The thing is, true alternatives are not being given. We are being railroaded into this scheme whereby we become part of a bigger authority with an elected mayor.
Given the choice, I'd rather stick with the system we've got - we've already got 5 layers of government going all the way up to Europe, and that's plenty!
rebbonk
19-09-2015, 09:06 AM
Well Lex, there's ever more pigs wanting access to the trough so they create a few more troughs!
Stratford DC has voted against 'non-continuant membership' of WMCA. I feel this leaves a lot of scope for SDC 'to work with WMCA', to the benefit of certain people, but not the general population of south Warwickshire: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-district-council-rejects-west-midlands-combined-authority-invitation-9024/
rebbonk
16-10-2015, 09:12 PM
They've made the right decision.
Coventry has signed up to... Well, we really don't know do we? Who in their right mind will sign up to an unknown?
Lucas and her rabble will pay dearly for the betrayal that they have foisted on the citizens of Coventry.
Stratford DC has voted against 'non-continuant membership' of WMCA. I feel this leaves a lot of scope for SDC 'to work with WMCA', to the benefit of certain people, but not the general population of south Warwickshire: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-district-council-rejects-west-midlands-combined-authority-invitation-9024/
It looks like SDC has given into the temptation of money; shame about the estates full of Birmingham's overspill that'll no doubt go with it: http://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/stratford-district-council-performs-u-turn-voting-join-west-midlands-combined-authority/
cathidaw
25-01-2016, 10:48 PM
I honestly think that that is the case all round. I've yet to see a Councillor not in it for what they can get out for themselves. I think I mentioned it on here before that I was reliably told that if I thought corruption in Parliament was rife, I ought take a close look at local government!
Whilst it's often difficult to prove, 'sweet' deals do go on and money does change hands. As an apprentice I worked with a local Councillor, and he was living far better than his day job would pay. - And I would suggest he was one of the more honest ones!
More recently, I employed a Councillor on contract. He was rarely ever at work, yet still drove a fancy car, dressed in very sharp suits and generally lived the good life.
OK, I don't know the full facts of their personal finances, but I'd take a bl**dy good guess that their money wasn't inherited.
Wish I'd been there when my friend who is 90 had a visit from an English Heritage official, accompanied by a local councillor. Both in their work suits and shiny shoes. Luckily they left the car on the road.
It had been raining and the horses in the field had churned it up a bit -well, a lot. As they walked and slithered to the building half way up to their shins in mud,(her in her wellies) she said, "I bet you're used to this aren't you?"and offered to hose down their shoes.
They smiled with gritted teeth as she sympathised and couldn't wait to get back to their cosy offices. She gave them a bundle of bin bags to take back to their posh car, and went back to her own office, had a good laugh with the others and made herself a cup of tea.. She said she thought they'd come for a 'jolly'
What a shock to the sort of people who never do a proper day's work.
WCC are still mulling joining: http://news.warwickshire.gov.uk/blog/2016/02/24/warwickshire-county-councils-current-position-in-relation-to-the-west-midlands-combined-authority/
Looks like WCC is joining after all: http://www.warwickcourier.co.uk/news/local-news/warwickshire-now-likely-to-join-west-midlands-merger-talks-1-7376931
rebbonk
12-05-2016, 04:29 PM
And Coventry's new leader has ruled out a local referendum. We've been stitched up like a kipper.
It'd be great if our politicians just paid lip service to democracy, like they did in the good old days.
Well, that's been stitched up nicely: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/warwickshire-votes-join-greater-birmingham-11346248
rebbonk
17-05-2016, 07:49 PM
I think it was always going to be the way. Democracy is alright as long as it doesn't interfere with things!
We are going to really lose out here, but our gutless, short-sighted politicians don't care and are only looking after their own interests.
I, for one, will not forget the betrayal and will remind those responsible at every possible opportunity.
I agree with you Rebbonk. This can't possibly be in the best interests of Coventry & Warwickshire. Any investment, money etc. will just get sucked into Birmingham, and our local representatives will just cream off what's left.
rebbonk
19-05-2016, 09:28 AM
There may be a slight chance that things stall. I read a report the other day from the Lords saying that they weren't happy with they way this has been carried out. In particular they were very critical of the (lack of) consultation and the fact that both Coventry and Birmingham had voted against having a metro Mayor in the recent past.
Maybe we can live in hope?
rebbonk
19-05-2016, 09:29 AM
This can't possibly be in the best interests of Coventry & Warwickshire. Any investment, money etc. will just get sucked into Birmingham, and our local representatives will just cream off what's left.
You only need to look at Greater Manchester to see what happens. Ask Bolton or Salford residents about the realities.
Cock up or keeping the opposition in the dark? Either way, the Tories on Coventry Council sound a tad desperate: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventrys-greater-birmingham-membership-doubt-11387685
rebbonk
26-05-2016, 09:11 PM
To be fair Lex, I think that most of Coventry is desperate not to get sucked in to this disgraceful enterprise. Whilst I'm no fan of Blundell (I was at school with him) if he can do anything to stop this shameful charade of democracy going ahead he gets not only my vote, but the vote of many Coventrians
And another one falls: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/north-warwickshire-borough-council-joins-11390366
rebbonk
01-06-2016, 08:09 AM
It really isn't looking good is it?
If only people would look at what happened with Greater Manchester. Manchester is thriving, but often at the expense of other areas such as Bolton and Salford. This will be repeated with Birmingham, and despite assurances to the contrary, the area will be known as Greater Birmingham.
Sadly, I also think this will be the case.
The WMCA is not proving to be popular - nor is it's unofficial name: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/unofficial-greater-birmingham-moniker-sparks-11438734
rebbonk
09-06-2016, 08:02 AM
Give it a couple of years and Greater Birmingham will be the 'official' name.
Yep, and everyone else will be forgotten about when the money's handed out...
We're getting a regional mayor, whether we like it or not: http://www.coventry.gov.uk/news/article/1753/west_midlands_combined_authority_mayoral_consultat ion
rebbonk
16-07-2016, 08:01 AM
Looks that way doesn't it? I voiced my opinions to that consultation (as I bet many others have) but I have no doubt that we'll be ignored.
That's often the way, isn't it. The decision has already been made, and the consultation is just lip service to democracy.
Labour's announced its candidate for the mayor's job. Nothing to do with the fact he's soon going to be an ex-MEP: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37022627
rebbonk
09-08-2016, 06:40 PM
I had dealings with him as an MEP. - Let's just say I wasn't impressed.
An interesting article about the new 'Metro Mayor': http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37839482
rebbonk
03-11-2016, 08:26 PM
Mark my words, we'll all get shafted apart from Brum!
Yes, we will be well and truly shafted, even the 'associate' members.
Brum's councillors are already demanding money. Didn't take them long, did it?
http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/coventry-taxpayers-should-pay-birmingham-12182605
rebbonk
16-11-2016, 07:46 PM
Are we surprised? Wasn't this always going to be the case?
Proof that you can't cure stupidity where our local politicians are concerned. - May Lucas rot in Hell.
No doubt Stratford district's councillors will soon be handing over vast sums of cash for a bit of 'power' and 'influence'
The candidates for mayor have been announced; I wonder how many people are going to bother to vote?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-39495706
rebbonk
05-04-2017, 07:50 AM
I will make the effort, but I'll bet the turnout is low. And let's not forget that both Coventry and Birmingham have previously expressed the desire not to have an elected mayor. This has 'allegedly' been foisted on us by central government.
A bit more information about the new West Midlands mayor. Looks like it will end up costing more in council tax for the privilege of having the mayor: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-39587683
rebbonk
14-04-2017, 10:35 AM
We're going to end up paying dearly for something that nobody wanted. And let's not forget that the mayor has the power to add precepts to our council tax bills.
27% turnout; a resounding endorsement: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-39820424
rebbonk
06-05-2017, 08:44 AM
27% is higher than I thought we'd see, but I'd like to see a further breakdown into the Coventry figures.
I'm truly glad that Simon didn't get in.
And so the swallowing up of the West Midlands by Birmingham begins: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/hello-greater-birmingham-plan-new-13505576
rebbonk
21-08-2017, 05:52 PM
T'was always going to be the case. - Unfortunately!
No doubt the rest of Warwickshire will be next - can't have all that green space getting in the way of economic development.
rebbonk
22-08-2017, 08:53 PM
What many fail to realise is that once it's gone, it's gone! - There's no going back.
Yet again, if we didn't import so many people we wouldn't be needing to do this. What we are actually seeing is a catastrophic failure of UK policy. People really do need to open their eyes and see what's going on.
Welcome to paying out extra tax for nothing: http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/revealed-exactly-how-much-you-14117174
rebbonk
05-01-2018, 05:15 PM
Absolutely shameful, but totally predictable.
I can't see what Street has actually done for the area to justify any money at all.
I'm surprised it took this long for the West Midlands mayor to start sniffing around outside his patch: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/west-midlands-mayor-andy-street-talks-business-in-stratford/
rebbonk
17-11-2018, 08:10 AM
He hasn't exactly done much for the WM, perhaps he ought to focus on what he's paid for?
I personally, think he's a waste of space and an oxygen thief.
Warwickshire County Council are in secret talks to join the WMCA. How bl***y sneaky and underhand can they get!?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-66119762
rebbonk
06-07-2023, 06:23 PM
Let's put it this way... It's not to the benefit of the electorate!
We are paying for the idiot Street. His achievements to date are the square root of sweet FA!
For once, I find myself agreeing with Labour - the Conservatives are in it for the votes. Another overconfident assumption; they'll be royally wiped out at the next general election.
Govey is getting involved. Being run from Birmingham is really not going to be a good for Warwickshire (apart from our council tax being sucked into the city): https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/michael-gove-notified-over-plans-27268486
rebbonk
09-07-2023, 08:39 PM
Gove is a plonker, and needs to keep his nose out.
Being subservient to Birmingham is no good to any of us. Remember the WMCC? That didn't end well, did it? But by then, they'd ripped all the funds they could out of us. - Oh, don't forget that Birmingham council is in financial trouble, they'll do anything to keep that from going under!
Yep. Warwickshire will e sucked dry.
The plan's been dropped. Nothing to do with being a big vote loser, of course.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-66301652
rebbonk
25-07-2023, 07:52 PM
I think we'll see many 'unpopular' policies and plans being dropped over the next few months. Sadly, I fear many will be revived as a new government takes its place in Westminster.
Leamington & Warwick's MP has raised a petition against the County joining WMCA. A bit late to the party: https://stratfordobserver.co.uk/news/mp-delivers-petition-against-warwickshire-joining-west-midlands-combined-authority-46215/
rebbonk
12-09-2023, 08:12 PM
Opportunist, rather than a concerned citizen!
Only 1,000 signatures too - not a great success.
rebbonk
13-09-2023, 07:01 PM
Sadly, Lex, that is the reality. Most people are simply not interested. Which is all well and good, but once their pocket is hit they get offended!
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