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Council boss's 20 per cent pay rise
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| Bala Mahendran |
BASILDON Council chief executive Bala Mahendran's earnings surged by a whopping 20 per cent last year, rising from £138,918 to £165,877.
Mr Mahendran's salary in 2006/7 - which includes bonuses, plus expenses, allowances and election fees - was just £23,000 shy of the £188,849 paid annually to Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
It was also just £10,000 short of the £175,881 paid in the same period to Joanna Killian, chief executive of Essex County Council - whose annual budget of £2billion is almost 40 times Basildon's £51.6million.
Mr Mahendran's earnings also outstrip those of Rob Tinlin, chief executive of Southend Council by more than £8,000.
Both the county council and Southend Council are unitary authorities - meaning they have bigger budgets and provide more services than a district council such as Basildon, including education, waste disposal and highways.
Mr Mahendran's in-
crease came in the same year the authority transferred responsibility for its 12,000 council homes to St Georges Community Hous-
ing Association.
His right-hand men, executive directors Mick Nice and Doug Smith, were paid £121,000 and £118,000 respectively, according to figures obtained by the TaxPayers' Alliance under the Freedom of Informat-
ion Act.
Despite the alliance requesting a breakdown of each chief executive's earnings, Basildon Council would not provide one, giving only Mr Mahendran's total earnings.
Alliance chief executive Matthew Elliott said: "Taxpayers have a right to know how much senior town hall officials are being paid because only then can we judge whether they deserve their remuneration. Too often, council executives are rewarded handsomely even when they fail.
"Families and pensioners are struggling with the demands of yet another council tax rise, and councils owe it to them to cut back on executive pay hikes."
Basildon Council leader Malcolm Buckley, who signs off Mr Mahendran's salary, said his bonuses were a "few thousand pounds" higher this year, but would not disclose actual figures.
He also claimed Mrs Killian's salary was now more than £200,000 a year because, when these figures were compiled, she was acting chief executive.
He said: "If Mr Mahendran was not worth every penny he is paid, I would be looking at ways to remove him.
"He is paid a comparable sum to other district authorities of a similar size. There are very few other authorities with the sort of challenges facing Basildon in terms of regeneration and housing.
"I believe good quality people deserve to be paid what they are worth. We also need to be competitive with the salaries offered by London authorities."
Mr Tinlin said: "My increase in salary for this year is just the cost of living increase of around 2.5 per cent. It's a big business of 500 plus services and I'm still within the salary band from when I applied for the job."
Lord Hanningfield, county council leader, said: "I have set Joanna a target of making £200million of savings and, if she achieves this, she will get more money."
8:00am Friday 28th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Jim, Westcliff on 10:26am Fri 28 Mar 08
Sickening.
I would ask how he sleeps at night... but I know the answer is on a large luxurious bed in a large house smiling at the nation who lets him get away with it.
Sickening.
I would ask how he sleeps at night... but I know the answer is on a large luxurious bed in a large house smiling at the nation who lets him get away with it.
Posted by: Annoyed, Southend on 10:37am Fri 28 Mar 08
That really riles me. I work for a Local Authority and to think the unions last year had to battle to give us a 2.5% payrise! 20% is disgusting, if I had that I'd be over £3000 a year better off, much nicer than the £350 I got last year.
That really riles me. I work for a Local Authority and to think the unions last year had to battle to give us a 2.5% payrise! 20% is disgusting, if I had that I'd be over £3000 a year better off, much nicer than the £350 I got last year.
Posted by: struggling mum, pitsea on 12:06pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year which is topped up a bit with working tax credits i struggle on this having 2 children and all the bills to pay and the big fat cats are on huge amounts of money and dont have to worry about anything i wish i could get a 20% rise in my wages and it would help me out, i would love for them to manage on the money o get with 2 children they would not last 5 minutes, i would be better off on income support where all my rent and polltax would be paid for, i would also get to spend more time with my children but i refuse to do this as i am capable of working but i would love to get that kind of money for sitting behind a bit desk in a big chair.
This country is an absolute shambles the rich get richer and the poor get poorer there is no such thing as middle class anymore because we are all struggling i have had enough of being S**t on by my own country.
I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year which is topped up a bit with working tax credits i struggle on this having 2 children and all the bills to pay and the big fat cats are on huge amounts of money and dont have to worry about anything i wish i could get a 20% rise in my wages and it would help me out, i would love for them to manage on the money o get with 2 children they would not last 5 minutes, i would be better off on income support where all my rent and polltax would be paid for, i would also get to spend more time with my children but i refuse to do this as i am capable of working but i would love to get that kind of money for sitting behind a bit desk in a big chair.
This country is an absolute shambles the rich get richer and the poor get poorer there is no such thing as middle class anymore because we are all struggling i have had enough of being S**t on by my own country.
Posted by: Grandmaster Marshmallow, Wink Wink Lodge on 12:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Lord Hanningfield, county council leader, said: "I have set Joanna a target of making £200million of savings and, if she achieves this, she will get more money."
So the plan is for all of us to suffer through cuts while the fat cats get all the cream then, Lord Hanningfield?
Let's not even discuss the housing issue Basildon has from taking people in from the London Boroughs. Someone's getting rich off that little scheme...
What a joke this county is.
Lord Hanningfield, county council leader, said: "I have set Joanna a target of making £200million of savings and, if she achieves this, she will get more money."
So the plan is for all of us to suffer through cuts while the fat cats get all the cream then, Lord Hanningfield?
Let's not even discuss the housing issue Basildon has from taking people in from the London Boroughs. Someone's getting rich off that little scheme...
What a joke this county is.
Posted by: julia, Fryerns on 1:44pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Absolutely outrageous!
so thats why the council tax is so flipping high!!
Absolutely outrageous!
so thats why the council tax is so flipping high!!
Posted by: ratepayer, laindon on 2:23pm Fri 28 Mar 08
what a joke maybe some of the 200 million she has got to save might come from getting the Basildon council chief executive to pack his bags and go???
what a joke maybe some of the 200 million she has got to save might come from getting the Basildon council chief executive to pack his bags and go???
Posted by: piano hinges on 2:26pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Perhaps he should be on performance related pay.
What's the minimum wage these days?
Perhaps he should be on performance related pay.
What's the minimum wage these days?
Posted by: Robbie, Laindon on 2:47pm Fri 28 Mar 08
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council.
ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council.
ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
Posted by: Paul Hiscock on 2:54pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Robbie[/bold] wrote:
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.[/quote] As Ed Balls would say:
"So what?"
Robbie wrote:
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
As Ed Balls would say:
"So what?"
Posted by: John, Spain on 3:05pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I have worked for the public sector for 30 years and I think I am also loaded with common sense. So heres the deal.I will do this job for £50000 PA saving the rate payers of Basildon a min of 115000.
I have worked for the public sector for 30 years and I think I am also loaded with common sense. So heres the deal.I will do this job for £50000 PA saving the rate payers of Basildon a min of 115000.
Posted by: Happy Hammer, Basildon on 3:21pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Paul Hiscock[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Robbie[/bold] wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.[/quote] As Ed Balls would say: "So what?" [/quote] Lets get this straight shall we? IT'S A TORY COUNCIL NOT LABOUR!!!! And Ed Balls said "SO WEAK" not "SO WHAT"...other than that it does seem to be an unfair pay increase.
Paul Hiscock wrote:
Robbie wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
As Ed Balls would say: "So what?"
Lets get this straight shall we? IT'S A TORY COUNCIL NOT LABOUR!!!! And Ed Balls said "SO WEAK" not "SO WHAT"...other than that it does seem to be an unfair pay increase.
Posted by: Paul Hiscock on 3:34pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Happy Hammer[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Paul Hiscock[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]Robbie[/bold] wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.[/quote] As Ed Balls would say: "So what?" [/quote] Lets get this straight shall we? IT'S A TORY COUNCIL NOT LABOUR!!!! And Ed Balls said "SO WEAK" not "SO WHAT"...other than that it does seem to be an unfair pay increase.[/quote] I listened to it and he clearly said "So what."
Funny how most of the chamber seemed to think he said "So What" as well when they 'gasped' in astonishment.
Anyway - who on earth would defend someone like Ed Balls anyway?
Do you work for the Labour Thought Police or something?
Happy Hammer wrote:
Paul Hiscock wrote: Robbie wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
As Ed Balls would say: "So what?"
Lets get this straight shall we? IT'S A TORY COUNCIL NOT LABOUR!!!! And Ed Balls said "SO WEAK" not "SO WHAT"...other than that it does seem to be an unfair pay increase.
I listened to it and he clearly said "So what."
Funny how most of the chamber seemed to think he said "So What" as well when they 'gasped' in astonishment.
Anyway - who on earth would defend someone like Ed Balls anyway?
Do you work for the Labour Thought Police or something?
Posted by: piano hinges on 3:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
He said "so what".
It's a Tory council.
So you're both right - and both wrong.
:)
He said "so what".
It's a Tory council.
So you're both right - and both wrong.
:)
Posted by: piano hinges on 4:13pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Not wishing to stray too far off-topic, and let this greedy man off the hook, but the Ed Balls reference made me laugh.
Ed, the closest lookalike to Piers Fletcher-Dervish you will ever see, was recently driven 150 yards in his chauffered car to a dinner engagement, his chauffeur then waited outside until later when he then drove Balls 300 yards to the Commons.
So when he says "so what" to Cameron's allegation that we're taxed more than ever under Labour, you can really see the monumental arrogance of the man.
Talking of monumental arrogance... £165,877???!!! Imagine how many nurses that would pay for.
Not wishing to stray too far off-topic, and let this greedy man off the hook, but the Ed Balls reference made me laugh.
Ed, the closest lookalike to Piers Fletcher-Dervish you will ever see, was recently driven 150 yards in his chauffered car to a dinner engagement, his chauffeur then waited outside until later when he then drove Balls 300 yards to the Commons.
So when he says "so what" to Cameron's allegation that we're taxed more than ever under Labour, you can really see the monumental arrogance of the man.
Talking of monumental arrogance... £165,877???!!! Imagine how many nurses that would pay for.
Posted by: MALCOLM, BASILDON on 4:21pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Robbie[/bold] wrote:
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.[/quote] THE TORIES ARE IN CONTROL IN BASILDON, YOU IDIOT. IT'S THE TORY COUNCIL LEADER WHO DECIDES THE CHIEF EXEC'S SALARY
Robbie wrote:
any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
THE TORIES ARE IN CONTROL IN BASILDON, YOU IDIOT. IT'S THE TORY COUNCIL LEADER WHO DECIDES THE CHIEF EXEC'S SALARY
Posted by: Trainman on 4:24pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[bold]WHY does he need all this money while MILLIONS struggle to just EXIST on less than £200.00 per week AND keep a family?????[/bold]
WHY does he need all this money while MILLIONS struggle to just EXIST on less than £200.00 per week AND keep a family????? Posted by: Grandmaster Marshmallow, Wink Wink Lodge on 4:40pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]MALCOLM[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Robbie[/bold] wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.[/quote] THE TORIES ARE IN CONTROL IN BASILDON, YOU IDIOT. IT'S THE TORY COUNCIL LEADER WHO DECIDES THE CHIEF EXEC'S SALARY[/quote] Are any of the Basildon council's elite Freemasons by any chance? :)
Just asking... :p
MALCOLM wrote:
Robbie wrote: any one who voted for labour in the last election, and is complaining about the council. ITS YOUR FAULT.YOU VOTED THEM IN.
THE TORIES ARE IN CONTROL IN BASILDON, YOU IDIOT. IT'S THE TORY COUNCIL LEADER WHO DECIDES THE CHIEF EXEC'S SALARY
Are any of the Basildon council's elite Freemasons by any chance? :)
Just asking... :p
Posted by: Jayne Jobbins, Benfleet on 4:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I am a single mother and I do 2 jobs and work 7 full days a week to get by - I pay a mortgage and together with all my utility bills which rise annually I am stretched to the limit every single month - if there were more hours in the day I would get 3 jobs - therefore my point is I work very very hard 52 weeks a year and only earn a fraction of what this gentleman earns - why the hell should we be keeping in in this kind of salary when other people are struggling so much.
I am a single mother and I do 2 jobs and work 7 full days a week to get by - I pay a mortgage and together with all my utility bills which rise annually I am stretched to the limit every single month - if there were more hours in the day I would get 3 jobs - therefore my point is I work very very hard 52 weeks a year and only earn a fraction of what this gentleman earns - why the hell should we be keeping in in this kind of salary when other people are struggling so much.
Posted by: David Harrison, Wickford on 6:02pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[bold]Fat cats - and noses in the trough are things that spring to mind! - This is a Council that decided to cut 30 minutes off the times that Seniors could use their bus passes because Basildon Council could not afford it. Now we know why - they had to fund the Chief Executive's increase in take home pay.
Having had the pleasure of having a meeting with the man in connection with Wickford Action Groups inquiry about certain developments in Wickford, I must say how impressed I was by how inept and unknowledgeable he was on the subject matter.[/bold]
Fat cats - and noses in the trough are things that spring to mind! - This is a Council that decided to cut 30 minutes off the times that Seniors could use their bus passes because Basildon Council could not afford it. Now we know why - they had to fund the Chief Executive's increase in take home pay.
Having had the pleasure of having a meeting with the man in connection with Wickford Action Groups inquiry about certain developments in Wickford, I must say how impressed I was by how inept and unknowledgeable he was on the subject matter. Posted by: amazed, Basildon on 6:49pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Well what can I say any one who has met the man would know HE IS NOT worth half that money .He is only out for what he can get for himself He has never lived in the area and has never visited 99% of it.It has been a downhill slide since he arrived ,get shot of him before it is too late.
Well what can I say any one who has met the man would know HE IS NOT worth half that money .He is only out for what he can get for himself He has never lived in the area and has never visited 99% of it.It has been a downhill slide since he arrived ,get shot of him before it is too late.
Posted by: Retired, Basildon on 7:08pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Elections are coming up get rid of his lapdogs .Then maybe we can get a decent chief exec like the last one .How can he be worth that much ?WHAT DOES HE DO? other than blow his own trumpet. We have had so many cuts in the district through lack of money ,our warden controlled oap complexes no longer have full time wardens our swimming pool is ancient cold and dirty ,the bus pass has been blamed for the rise in council tax ,now we know the real reason it has gone up .
Elections are coming up get rid of his lapdogs .Then maybe we can get a decent chief exec like the last one .How can he be worth that much ?WHAT DOES HE DO? other than blow his own trumpet. We have had so many cuts in the district through lack of money ,our warden controlled oap complexes no longer have full time wardens our swimming pool is ancient cold and dirty ,the bus pass has been blamed for the rise in council tax ,now we know the real reason it has gone up .
Posted by: ratepayer, laindon on 7:26pm Fri 28 Mar 08
So what background does our Chief Executive come from may be he could post a comment ???
So what background does our Chief Executive come from may be he could post a comment ???
Posted by: devil's advocate, Boozledon on 7:42pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Why pick on this poor individual? If you are brutally honest, is any fat cat worth his money?
Personally I wouldn't pay any of them in rusty washers! It's about time we got some people in the council who have their own electorate in their hearts, not themselves or their party lines!
Why pick on this poor individual? If you are brutally honest, is any fat cat worth his money?
Personally I wouldn't pay any of them in rusty washers! It's about time we got some people in the council who have their own electorate in their hearts, not themselves or their party lines!
Posted by: left wing looney, Basildon Central on 8:12pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Baron Buckley said:
"I believe good quality people deserve to be paid what they are worth. We also need to be competitive with the salaries offered by London authorities."
Does this include rank and file tradesmen employed by his council I wonder?
Baron Buckley said:
"I believe good quality people deserve to be paid what they are worth. We also need to be competitive with the salaries offered by London authorities."
Does this include rank and file tradesmen employed by his council I wonder?
Posted by: Liberal on 8:47pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I'm sure the £200 million cuts are not coming out of the fat cat wages.
This is a whole new concept of incentivisation. If you provide fewer services you get a whacking great bonus.
Hmmm how will that work with our highly prized ( and I mean that sincerely) emergency services. Put out less fires, tend fewer sick people and don't combat crime and get a large bonus !!!!
What a strange world we live in.
I'm sure the £200 million cuts are not coming out of the fat cat wages.
This is a whole new concept of incentivisation. If you provide fewer services you get a whacking great bonus.
Hmmm how will that work with our highly prized ( and I mean that sincerely) emergency services. Put out less fires, tend fewer sick people and don't combat crime and get a large bonus !!!!
What a strange world we live in.
Posted by: mr no name, benfleet on 9:12pm Fri 28 Mar 08
oh my god just look at that state of the country when he have him in charge of basildon council need i say more well done all you politicaly correct lovers see what you acheive absoultley discusting
oh my god just look at that state of the country when he have him in charge of basildon council need i say more well done all you politicaly correct lovers see what you acheive absoultley discusting
Posted by: mr no name, benfleet on 9:21pm Fri 28 Mar 08
i wondered why he got that job in the first i wonder is everyone totally blind or brainwashed in this country there should be some kind of massive protest wiv all these mad things going on rich getting richer poor getting poorer on another subject the country is changing into a dictaship gradually vote bnp and shake the whole country up but no all your pc brigrade will no no doubt come out but look whats happend pc brirgade wiv your decisions youve made so far brainwashing has been complteted on most apart from the few so no doubt this will get worse and worse
i wondered why he got that job in the first i wonder is everyone totally blind or brainwashed in this country there should be some kind of massive protest wiv all these mad things going on rich getting richer poor getting poorer on another subject the country is changing into a dictaship gradually vote bnp and shake the whole country up but no all your pc brigrade will no no doubt come out but look whats happend pc brirgade wiv your decisions youve made so far brainwashing has been complteted on most apart from the few so no doubt this will get worse and worse
Posted by: mr no name, 931-785 on 9:58pm Fri 28 Mar 08
so lets make the poor pensiners freeze a little bit more or go with out food for the extra pay rise of this greedy so and so i just dont take all this garbage about him being worth every penny absoulte crap its the freemasons lodge at it again you scratch my back i scrath you sod the little wage slaves sickoooosss
so lets make the poor pensiners freeze a little bit more or go with out food for the extra pay rise of this greedy so and so i just dont take all this garbage about him being worth every penny absoulte crap its the freemasons lodge at it again you scratch my back i scrath you sod the little wage slaves sickoooosss
Posted by: Sheila, Basildon on 11:22pm Fri 28 Mar 08
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
Posted by: Not bovvered, Basildon on 11:38pm Fri 28 Mar 08
First, Sheila is exactly right.
Second, I am a Basildon resident and am not concerned about the salary.
Third, the amounts listed in the article are somewhat misleading - the numbers reported are not just salary. The Echo would do well to actually do a bit of investigation instead of merely sensationalism with the purpose of inflaming and agitating. The comparison to the PM is disingenuous. The PM has all sorts of added benefits that would eclipse this salary if reported. Once again, the Echo demonstrates the that the only type of journalism it is capable of is the yellow kind (to keep the author of this piece from having to go to the trouble of grabbing a dictionary, that means scandal-mongering).
First, Sheila is exactly right.
Second, I am a Basildon resident and am not concerned about the salary.
Third, the amounts listed in the article are somewhat misleading - the numbers reported are not just salary. The Echo would do well to actually do a bit of investigation instead of merely sensationalism with the purpose of inflaming and agitating. The comparison to the PM is disingenuous. The PM has all sorts of added benefits that would eclipse this salary if reported. Once again, the Echo demonstrates the that the only type of journalism it is capable of is the yellow kind (to keep the author of this piece from having to go to the trouble of grabbing a dictionary, that means scandal-mongering).
Posted by: Fryerns on 11:55pm Fri 28 Mar 08
I think he's doing a good job, maybe I dunno. But he's got a lot of responsibilty and we certainly need someone who can turn this town around. Compared to the head of Barclay's (30 million) not too bad a salary methinks. Oh yeah Echo yet again crap jounalism if you want to compare Bala's wages with the PM's then at least include Gordon's expenses (houses, hotels, flights..etc, etc) several millions really!
I think he's doing a good job, maybe I dunno. But he's got a lot of responsibilty and we certainly need someone who can turn this town around. Compared to the head of Barclay's (30 million) not too bad a salary methinks. Oh yeah Echo yet again crap jounalism if you want to compare Bala's wages with the PM's then at least include Gordon's expenses (houses, hotels, flights..etc, etc) several millions really!
Posted by: Da Hood, In da house on 11:56pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]struggling mum[/bold] wrote:
I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year which is topped up a bit with working tax credits i struggle on this having 2 children and all the bills to pay and the big fat cats are on huge amounts of money and dont have to worry about anything i wish i could get a 20% rise in my wages and it would help me out, i would love for them to manage on the money o get with 2 children they would not last 5 minutes, i would be better off on income support where all my rent and polltax would be paid for, i would also get to spend more time with my children but i refuse to do this as i am capable of working but i would love to get that kind of money for sitting behind a bit desk in a big chair. This country is an absolute shambles the rich get richer and the poor get poorer there is no such thing as middle class anymore because we are all struggling i have had enough of being S**t on by my own country.[/quote] [quote]I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year[/quote]
£14.00 a year, that's slave labour.
struggling mum wrote:
I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year which is topped up a bit with working tax credits i struggle on this having 2 children and all the bills to pay and the big fat cats are on huge amounts of money and dont have to worry about anything i wish i could get a 20% rise in my wages and it would help me out, i would love for them to manage on the money o get with 2 children they would not last 5 minutes, i would be better off on income support where all my rent and polltax would be paid for, i would also get to spend more time with my children but i refuse to do this as i am capable of working but i would love to get that kind of money for sitting behind a bit desk in a big chair. This country is an absolute shambles the rich get richer and the poor get poorer there is no such thing as middle class anymore because we are all struggling i have had enough of being S**t on by my own country.
I am a single mum who works full time, i earn £14,00 a year
£14.00 a year, that's slave labour.
Posted by: mr no name, benfleet on 7:34am Sat 29 Mar 08
responding to comments about jealousy your living in land cukoo its not jealous this is the reason why year after year council tax is going up way above inflation a lot people can not afford to have a life due to this type of greed totally unwarranted pay rises we seeing as we vote them n we shouls vote for what pay they should recive that sunds fairer it some it up when lord hanninfield say to that woman if she reduces the council bill by 200 millon in other cutting services what we pay way over the odds for so she can have a hefty bonus whilist you ca guranntee the council tax still going up year after year yu wallys who state jealousy are morons most probably earning a far higher wage then normal so you have the attiude who cares aboutthe rest typical greed
responding to comments about jealousy your living in land cukoo its not jealous this is the reason why year after year council tax is going up way above inflation a lot people can not afford to have a life due to this type of greed totally unwarranted pay rises we seeing as we vote them n we shouls vote for what pay they should recive that sunds fairer it some it up when lord hanninfield say to that woman if she reduces the council bill by 200 millon in other cutting services what we pay way over the odds for so she can have a hefty bonus whilist you ca guranntee the council tax still going up year after year yu wallys who state jealousy are morons most probably earning a far higher wage then normal so you have the attiude who cares aboutthe rest typical greed
Posted by: evilc, essex on 8:10am Sat 29 Mar 08
Why all the long comments?
One word is enough appalling!!
Why all the long comments?
One word is enough appalling!!
Posted by: devil's Advocate, boozledon on 11:57am Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] oh, if only you had putting forward those sort of arguments when the workers in the nationalised industries were trying for a living wage (as paid in the private sector.) Comments like peanuts and monkeys were not PC when it was working classes. And the bosses favourite line: "Every penny we pay you is a penny we take away from your fellow workers. There is only so much money in the pot!" seems to have vanished. What changed that philosophy do you think?
Sheila wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
oh, if only you had putting forward those sort of arguments when the workers in the nationalised industries were trying for a living wage (as paid in the private sector.) Comments like peanuts and monkeys were not PC when it was working classes. And the bosses favourite line: "Every penny we pay you is a penny we take away from your fellow workers. There is only so much money in the pot!" seems to have vanished. What changed that philosophy do you think?
Posted by: Michael, Basidon on 12:01pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] WONDERED WHEN THEY WOULD ROLL OUT THEIR LACKIES! WHO CARES? BASILDON COUNCIL IS NOT A PRIVATE COMPANY. WHILE THE TORY-LED COUNCIL MAKES CUTS INCLUDING CUTTING THE BUS PASS PROVISIONS FOR THE ELDERLY, IT MAKES A DISGRACEFUL DECISION TO GIVE ITS TOP BOSS A HUGE PAY RISE. WHAT MESSAGE DOES THAT SEND?
Sheila wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
WONDERED WHEN THEY WOULD ROLL OUT THEIR LACKIES! WHO CARES? BASILDON COUNCIL IS NOT A PRIVATE COMPANY. WHILE THE TORY-LED COUNCIL MAKES CUTS INCLUDING CUTTING THE BUS PASS PROVISIONS FOR THE ELDERLY, IT MAKES A DISGRACEFUL DECISION TO GIVE ITS TOP BOSS A HUGE PAY RISE. WHAT MESSAGE DOES THAT SEND?
Posted by: left wing looney, Basildon Central on 12:34pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn\'t be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don\'t we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn\'t actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] So following your logic, police, fireman and nurses are all monkeys are they?
Anybody who dares complain is just jealous?
I suppose you think fat cats are the wealth creators as well! That kind of thinking was popular in Thatcher's day. It has created the foulest most divisive society we have ever seen! The only wealth is with the fat cats. You think jealousy? I think quiet anger is the emotion you are mistaking for jealousy!
Not only that, but comparing work for pay of manual workers, nobody can actually EARN that kind of money! The theory of having to pay them overinflated salaries comes from themselves! That compares with the plumber's sharp intake of breath! Pay them half this fortune and they still wouldn't swap their lot for a conscientious manual worker!
Sheila wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn\'t be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don\'t we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn\'t actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
So following your logic, police, fireman and nurses are all monkeys are they?
Anybody who dares complain is just jealous?
I suppose you think fat cats are the wealth creators as well! That kind of thinking was popular in Thatcher's day. It has created the foulest most divisive society we have ever seen! The only wealth is with the fat cats. You think jealousy? I think quiet anger is the emotion you are mistaking for jealousy!
Not only that, but comparing work for pay of manual workers, nobody can actually EARN that kind of money! The theory of having to pay them overinflated salaries comes from themselves! That compares with the plumber's sharp intake of breath! Pay them half this fortune and they still wouldn't swap their lot for a conscientious manual worker!
Posted by: p3 Stunner, Clubbing on 5:23pm Sat 29 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] I think I can smell a brown nose!!
Sheila wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!!
Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
I think I can smell a brown nose!!
Posted by: Mark, Southend on 7:47pm Sat 29 Mar 08
Wonder if Basildon Council who are so good at sending out questionaires will send one asking the local taxpayers if they think Bala and the rest of the overpaid greedy pigs are value for money. But then again this would be democracy - something we THINK we have in this country. Get rid of these p takers from the council and ALL councils NOW!
Wonder if Basildon Council who are so good at sending out questionaires will send one asking the local taxpayers if they think Bala and the rest of the overpaid greedy pigs are value for money. But then again this would be democracy - something we THINK we have in this country. Get rid of these p takers from the council and ALL councils NOW!
Posted by: K. Smith, Sunny Essex on 2:02am Sun 30 Mar 08
Visit the taxpayers alliance website. http://www.taxpayers
alliance.com/
See the dirt Basildon Council don't want you to see. It's under research publications.
Enjoy![bold]bold[/bold]
Visit the taxpayers alliance website. http://www.taxpayers
alliance.com/
See the dirt Basildon Council don't want you to see. It's under research publications.
Enjoy!
Posted by: Solveman, Pitsea on 11:32am Sun 30 Mar 08
Ok, I've read all the comments and now here's my tuppence worth. Firstly, although I know Bala and, frankly, he is a really nice guy, no-one in his position should be paid that kind of obsene wage from the public purse. That goes for the money money grabbing politicians too. As for people in the pivate sector, well, as it sugests, that is a private matter and if a private board want to pay themselves huge sums from their profits it's their business. However, companies like the gas board that provide services to the public should have chief exec wages capped so that the public pay a fair rate for the services. In fact, these companies shouldn't have been privatised in the first place.
My problem is this: how can these pay hikes be justified when there are people struggling to survive and keep up with inflation? I am a disabled male living on disability benefits. Like others in my situation and pensioners we do not get pay increases in line with inflation and we, therefore, struggle more each year to survive. I don't get the £200 heating allowance that pensioners get yet my conditions mean that I need my heating when it's cold. Ok, I have a mobility car but I am getting to the stage where I can't afford to put petrol in it! I still have a family of young children and have to try and, like other parents, keep up with the demands of their needs and their wants. At least if I was able to work I'd be able to do some overtime, although no-one should have to to simply survive. This is the 21st Century people!
Anyone paid from the public purse should get an annual increase at least in line with inflation. Anything less is stupidity. Anything substantially more... as in tha case of those in politics... is just plain greed.
Now, hold fire you pc brigade, if you voted for BNP this kind of blatant greed will be stopped. Anyone that votes for the lib, lab, con mob deserves all they get, I'm afraid. If you love this country then it's about time you stood up to be counted. The major 3 have ruined our country and ignored our people for long enough.
Ok, I've read all the comments and now here's my tuppence worth. Firstly, although I know Bala and, frankly, he is a really nice guy, no-one in his position should be paid that kind of obsene wage from the public purse. That goes for the money money grabbing politicians too. As for people in the pivate sector, well, as it sugests, that is a private matter and if a private board want to pay themselves huge sums from their profits it's their business. However, companies like the gas board that provide services to the public should have chief exec wages capped so that the public pay a fair rate for the services. In fact, these companies shouldn't have been privatised in the first place.
My problem is this: how can these pay hikes be justified when there are people struggling to survive and keep up with inflation? I am a disabled male living on disability benefits. Like others in my situation and pensioners we do not get pay increases in line with inflation and we, therefore, struggle more each year to survive. I don't get the £200 heating allowance that pensioners get yet my conditions mean that I need my heating when it's cold. Ok, I have a mobility car but I am getting to the stage where I can't afford to put petrol in it! I still have a family of young children and have to try and, like other parents, keep up with the demands of their needs and their wants. At least if I was able to work I'd be able to do some overtime, although no-one should have to to simply survive. This is the 21st Century people!
Anyone paid from the public purse should get an annual increase at least in line with inflation. Anything less is stupidity. Anything substantially more... as in tha case of those in politics... is just plain greed.
Now, hold fire you pc brigade, if you voted for BNP this kind of blatant greed will be stopped. Anyone that votes for the lib, lab, con mob deserves all they get, I'm afraid. If you love this country then it's about time you stood up to be counted. The major 3 have ruined our country and ignored our people for long enough.
Posted by: westcliff willi on 2:00pm Sun 30 Mar 08
solveman raises some interesting points
such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala
probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job,
or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly?
bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough.
just nice work if you can get it
solveman raises some interesting points
such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala
probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job,
or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly?
bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough.
just nice work if you can get it
Posted by: Mustapha Laugh., ABOUT TOWN on 2:18pm Sun 30 Mar 08
He and others like him in Basildon Council are a leech on the ratepayers of Basildon ,As for FAT CATS he certainly looks as if his belt needs tightening, perhaps they need to put a lid on the trough and weld it shut.[bold]bold[/bold]
He and others like him in Basildon Council are a leech on the ratepayers of Basildon ,As for FAT CATS he certainly looks as if his belt needs tightening, perhaps they need to put a lid on the trough and weld it shut.
Posted by: Linda, Basildon on 6:57pm Sun 30 Mar 08
[quote][bold]westcliff willi[/bold] wrote:
solveman raises some interesting points such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job, or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly? bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough. just nice work if you can get it[/quote] What rubbish! You are suggesting that his disability (of which you know nothing) should prevent him using a computer. As for his finding a job, this is difficult enough for 'fully able' people but is 100x more difficult for those with a disability even in these more enlightened times. And, to repeat, you no nothing about the limits his condition imposes on him.
westcliff willi wrote:
solveman raises some interesting points such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job, or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly? bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough. just nice work if you can get it
What rubbish! You are suggesting that his disability (of which you know nothing) should prevent him using a computer. As for his finding a job, this is difficult enough for 'fully able' people but is 100x more difficult for those with a disability even in these more enlightened times. And, to repeat, you no nothing about the limits his condition imposes on him.
Posted by: Yawn on 10:15am Mon 31 Mar 08
[quote][bold]left wing looney[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote: Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn\\\'t be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don\\\'t we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn\\\'t actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] So following your logic, police, fireman and nurses are all monkeys are they? Anybody who dares complain is just jealous? I suppose you think fat cats are the wealth creators as well! That kind of thinking was popular in Thatcher\'s day. It has created the foulest most divisive society we have ever seen! The only wealth is with the fat cats. You think jealousy? I think quiet anger is the emotion you are mistaking for jealousy! Not only that, but comparing work for pay of manual workers, nobody can actually EARN that kind of money! The theory of having to pay them overinflated salaries comes from themselves! That compares with the plumber\'s sharp intake of breath! Pay them half this fortune and they still wouldn\'t swap their lot for a conscientious manual worker! [/quote] I'm no fan of Thatcher but Labour have done a lot more to ensure the fat cats get fatter at the expense of the working class more than Maggie ever did.
left wing looney wrote:
Sheila wrote: Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
So following your logic, police, fireman and nurses are all monkeys are they? Anybody who dares complain is just jealous? I suppose you think fat cats are the wealth creators as well! That kind of thinking was popular in Thatcher\'s day. It has created the foulest most divisive society we have ever seen! The only wealth is with the fat cats. You think jealousy? I think quiet anger is the emotion you are mistaking for jealousy! Not only that, but comparing work for pay of manual workers, nobody can actually EARN that kind of money! The theory of having to pay them overinflated salaries comes from themselves! That compares with the plumber\'s sharp intake of breath! Pay them half this fortune and they still wouldn\'t swap their lot for a conscientious manual worker!
I'm no fan of Thatcher but Labour have done a lot more to ensure the fat cats get fatter at the expense of the working class more than Maggie ever did.
Posted by: piano hinges on 5:24pm Mon 31 Mar 08
So, is it safe to say that this wasn't a complete PR success?
So, is it safe to say that this wasn't a complete PR success?
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 11:28pm Mon 31 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Sheila[/bold] wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.[/quote] Bring on the hangers-on!
He said: "If Mr Mahendran was not worth every penny he is paid, I would be looking at ways to remove him..."
WORTH EVERY PENNY! Tell that to care workers, nurses, cleaners - all those who do sh1tty jobs for very little pay.
Why shouldn't people be jealous?
They're entitled to be with most care workers on not much more than six quid an hour for cleaning up other people's mess and doing a very demanding job caring for vulnerable people.
How dare he stuff himself full of taxpayers' money?
Sheila wrote:
Look, if you want the district run by monkeys then fine pay peanuts. What the Echo have failed to point out is how poorly this compares to private companies - and the fact that the pay rises came from a larger restructure done by an outside firm and signed off by the councillors that were elected in an election where we either voted for them or couldn't be bothered to get out of bed for it!!! Why don't we all complain about something that is really important instead of picking stupid holes cause we are all jealous that we couldn't actually manage to do this job or earn this kinda money.
Bring on the hangers-on!
He said: "If Mr Mahendran was not worth every penny he is paid, I would be looking at ways to remove him..."
WORTH EVERY PENNY! Tell that to care workers, nurses, cleaners - all those who do sh1tty jobs for very little pay.
Why shouldn't people be jealous?
They're entitled to be with most care workers on not much more than six quid an hour for cleaning up other people's mess and doing a very demanding job caring for vulnerable people.
How dare he stuff himself full of taxpayers' money?
Posted by: Kim Gandy, Rayleigh on 11:30pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Oh and the district is run by monkeys.
I have been on the receiving end of their policies, the downright disgusting behaviour of some of their councillors - and their total ineptitude.
Which is why I live in Rayleigh now, instead.
Oh and the district is run by monkeys.
I have been on the receiving end of their policies, the downright disgusting behaviour of some of their councillors - and their total ineptitude.
Which is why I live in Rayleigh now, instead.
Posted by: devil's Advocate, boozledon on 11:48pm Mon 31 Mar 08
Anyone seen Sheila lately? I heard a rumour she signed up for the Tamils! Could be wrong though.
SHEILA! You there?
Anyone seen Sheila lately? I heard a rumour she signed up for the Tamils! Could be wrong though.
SHEILA! You there?
Posted by: gerry, laindon on 5:21pm Tue 1 Apr 08
These sort of salaries are obscene - they're just as bad as what footballers get and the councillors' are about as much use!
These sort of salaries are obscene - they're just as bad as what footballers get and the councillors' are about as much use!
Posted by: Sabildon, Basildon on 6:18pm Tue 1 Apr 08
So, a pen pusher is worth 3 doctors, 5 firefighters, nurses, or police officers. I know which I would rather have.
So, a pen pusher is worth 3 doctors, 5 firefighters, nurses, or police officers. I know which I would rather have.
Posted by: doppo189, basildon on 7:13pm Tue 1 Apr 08
oh come on befair to the man! we all got wheelie bins even those that live in flats
oh come on befair to the man! we all got wheelie bins even those that live in flats
Posted by: doppo189, basildon on 7:16pm Tue 1 Apr 08
Garden wheelie bins that is!
Garden wheelie bins that is!
Posted by: SHREW, OLDHAM on 10:03pm Tue 1 Apr 08
Jobs for the boys eh!
Keep voting for the main 3 parties (the untouchables )
Or wake up and smell the coffee :-0
Jobs for the boys eh!
Keep voting for the main 3 parties (the untouchables )
Or wake up and smell the coffee :-0
Posted by: Solveman, Pitsea on 1:08am Wed 2 Apr 08
Thank you Linda of Basildon. You are quite right, it is very difficult for me to find work as no one would employ a person out sick more than at work. As for Westcliff Willi, I assume that Willi is a euphemism for your real handle? Your comments, sir (term used loosely), simply showed your ignorance. In fact, had I been that ignorant I would not have even had the audacity to post on this blog. Certainly not without the use of punctuation. Next time ask your care worker to check your message before posting, there's a good lad.
Thank you Linda of Basildon. You are quite right, it is very difficult for me to find work as no one would employ a person out sick more than at work. As for Westcliff Willi, I assume that Willi is a euphemism for your real handle? Your comments, sir (term used loosely), simply showed your ignorance. In fact, had I been that ignorant I would not have even had the audacity to post on this blog. Certainly not without the use of punctuation. Next time ask your care worker to check your message before posting, there's a good lad.
Posted by: Solveman, Pitsea on 1:27am Wed 2 Apr 08
Oh, and by the way, Willi, when I was working I worked much more than the usual 40 hour week. Many weeks I knocked up over 80 hours and paid tax on every penny I earned. At least I paid into the system as has my father and grandfather before him. I haven't just come off the back of a lorry from France and have been given everything handed to me on a plate! I had to fight for what i get and I still get less than if I was an asylum seeker. In fact, I might even have paid more tax in my working life than you!
Oh, and by the way, Willi, when I was working I worked much more than the usual 40 hour week. Many weeks I knocked up over 80 hours and paid tax on every penny I earned. At least I paid into the system as has my father and grandfather before him. I haven't just come off the back of a lorry from France and have been given everything handed to me on a plate! I had to fight for what i get and I still get less than if I was an asylum seeker. In fact, I might even have paid more tax in my working life than you!
Posted by: Rene, Basildon on 2:31am Wed 2 Apr 08
Like footballers, people like Bala Mahendran is paid a highly inflated salary, for what precisely?
Whom does he and the footballers turn to when they need hospital attention? Probably BUPA I suspect?
On the salaries of just these two examples, it shows what pittance Nurses get alone without the rest of the emergency services and the tax payers.
For the majority of people, we have to live on wages that are being constantly under-reviewed or not linked with inflation, and yet still expected to pay a Kings ransom for services that in some cases, are well below standards or no longer exist due to costing.
Four years ago I asked the council to cut back a tree belonging to them on a neighbours property, having previously experienced subsidence, the front of the house started cracking.
Having made numerous telephone calls, sent letters over the years, the pathetic excuse they give is there is not enough money in their budget to pay for doing the job.
We had a subsidence problem caused through trees at the rear of our property belonging to the council, it cost us £17,000 to get our property repaired and the council refused to pay the excess on our insurance even though it was their trees that were at the 'root' of the problem.
There must be hundreds of people out there with a gripe about lack of services, largely due to people like Bala and the other FAT CATS in the council commanding unrealistic salaries to the detriment of the tax payer.
In short, there should be a review of salaries (PMR) and capped, given that we are all struggling to make ends meet.
Like footballers, people like Bala Mahendran is paid a highly inflated salary, for what precisely?
Whom does he and the footballers turn to when they need hospital attention? Probably BUPA I suspect?
On the salaries of just these two examples, it shows what pittance Nurses get alone without the rest of the emergency services and the tax payers.
For the majority of people, we have to live on wages that are being constantly under-reviewed or not linked with inflation, and yet still expected to pay a Kings ransom for services that in some cases, are well below standards or no longer exist due to costing.
Four years ago I asked the council to cut back a tree belonging to them on a neighbours property, having previously experienced subsidence, the front of the house started cracking.
Having made numerous telephone calls, sent letters over the years, the pathetic excuse they give is there is not enough money in their budget to pay for doing the job.
We had a subsidence problem caused through trees at the rear of our property belonging to the council, it cost us £17,000 to get our property repaired and the council refused to pay the excess on our insurance even though it was their trees that were at the 'root' of the problem.
There must be hundreds of people out there with a gripe about lack of services, largely due to people like Bala and the other FAT CATS in the council commanding unrealistic salaries to the detriment of the tax payer.
In short, there should be a review of salaries (PMR) and capped, given that we are all struggling to make ends meet.
Posted by: crash1981, Basildon on 9:38am Wed 2 Apr 08
Interesting to read people's comments, but to compare £165K a year to a footballers salary is ridiculous.
I understand that people are not literally comparing like for like and are using it as an example, but still!
What do people think would be a fair salary, bearing in mind that according to the TPA's figures, 94 CX earn over £150K a year, and Basildon is the 2nd biggest District Council in the country?
Interesting to read people's comments, but to compare £165K a year to a footballers salary is ridiculous.
I understand that people are not literally comparing like for like and are using it as an example, but still!
What do people think would be a fair salary, bearing in mind that according to the TPA's figures, 94 CX earn over £150K a year, and Basildon is the 2nd biggest District Council in the country?
Posted by: westcliff willi on 10:41am Wed 2 Apr 08
[quote][bold]Linda[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]westcliff willi[/bold] wrote: solveman raises some interesting points such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job, or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly? bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough. just nice work if you can get it[/quote] What rubbish! You are suggesting that his disability (of which you know nothing) should prevent him using a computer. As for his finding a job, this is difficult enough for 'fully able' people but is 100x more difficult for those with a disability even in these more enlightened times. And, to repeat, you no nothing about the limits his condition imposes on him.[/quote] Not to difficult for 200,000 eastern europeans to find work though is it.
solvey, It is unlikley that you pay more tax than me even at at my tender age.
Linda wrote:
westcliff willi wrote: solveman raises some interesting points such as the fact the bnp (don't deserve uppercase)would hand out all the extra money taken off bala probably when he booted out of the country to solveman who although 'disabled'can seem to work a computer although choose not to do it in some form for a job, or mayby give it to mr no name for doing what exactly? bnp noses would be just as deeply in the trough. just nice work if you can get it
What rubbish! You are suggesting that his disability (of which you know nothing) should prevent him using a computer. As for his finding a job, this is difficult enough for 'fully able' people but is 100x more difficult for those with a disability even in these more enlightened times. And, to repeat, you no nothing about the limits his condition imposes on him.
Not to difficult for 200,000 eastern europeans to find work though is it.
solvey, It is unlikley that you pay more tax than me even at at my tender age.
Posted by: alru, Chalkwell on 1:45pm Wed 2 Apr 08
I think this is a disgrace.
The Conservative dominated council have done what for this town? The roads are a disgrace, whether you're in Leigh, Westcliff or Chalkwell. The cliffs have been repaired, to what degree. Vote out this Conservative council and improve our infrastructure!
I think this is a disgrace.
The Conservative dominated council have done what for this town? The roads are a disgrace, whether you're in Leigh, Westcliff or Chalkwell. The cliffs have been repaired, to what degree. Vote out this Conservative council and improve our infrastructure!
Posted by: Royster G, Basildon on 2:46pm Wed 2 Apr 08
The people of Basildon deserve all they get when ,last election, only a 1/3 of the people bothered to vote.
The people of Basildon deserve all they get when ,last election, only a 1/3 of the people bothered to vote.
Posted by: westcliff willi on 2:54pm Wed 2 Apr 08
alru, i disagree i use to live in baz and compared to southend the streets are cleaner, the green spaces are better, the town center parking is better and the roads are better baz ain't all bad
alru, i disagree i use to live in baz and compared to southend the streets are cleaner, the green spaces are better, the town center parking is better and the roads are better baz ain't all bad
Posted by: Royster G, Basildon on 3:04pm Wed 2 Apr 08
We need a new system of government as ours is truly out dated. Most of the tax payers money goes into changing whatever the last administration implemented previously, "Labour built that, lets close it" "Conservatives started that lets stop it". Its all a big playground game of King of the Castle. Lets sack the lot and start again with the money we'd save.
We need a new system of government as ours is truly out dated. Most of the tax payers money goes into changing whatever the last administration implemented previously, "Labour built that, lets close it" "Conservatives started that lets stop it". Its all a big playground game of King of the Castle. Lets sack the lot and start again with the money we'd save.
Posted by: Geoff Stringer, Prittlewell on 7:00pm Wed 2 Apr 08
We can't afford the bus passes for the pensioners. We can't afford to finish the pier. We can't afford to fix the cliff's, etc,etc,. But we can afford to give this man an increase in salary, and some of his cronies, no doubt. Are we allowed to see this mans background???????
We can't afford the bus passes for the pensioners. We can't afford to finish the pier. We can't afford to fix the cliff's, etc,etc,. But we can afford to give this man an increase in salary, and some of his cronies, no doubt. Are we allowed to see this mans background???????
Posted by: alru, Chalkwell on 11:28am Thu 3 Apr 08
wat we all need is the tories out asap.
wat we all need is the tories out asap.
Posted by: Damian on 5:29pm Thu 3 Apr 08
Fat Councillor...Fat Salary...Fat Useless GIT....In my opinion.
Fat Councillor...Fat Salary...Fat Useless GIT....In my opinion.
Posted by: Solveman, Pitsea on 3:06am Sun 6 Apr 08
Really, Willi, I think I am actually bandying words with a moron. Or is it just sour grapes becaue I don't have to work for a living? I would gladly trade my disabilities for good health and a job.
People that take your attitude really do make me swear because it's quite obvious that you have absolutely no understanding of the argument that you are attempting rather badly to make. I suggest that you ask someone to explain it to you in words of one syllable.
If it appears that I am gettimg annoyed then you are absolutely bloody right! I am sick of people like you inferring that people like me are simply state scroungers.
I really do hope to God that one day you find yourself in my position. Not a line that I usually take, however, you will then understand why being disabled doesn't always mean that you can work.
Pillock!
Really, Willi, I think I am actually bandying words with a moron. Or is it just sour grapes becaue I don't have to work for a living? I would gladly trade my disabilities for good health and a job.
People that take your attitude really do make me swear because it's quite obvious that you have absolutely no understanding of the argument that you are attempting rather badly to make. I suggest that you ask someone to explain it to you in words of one syllable.
If it appears that I am gettimg annoyed then you are absolutely bloody right! I am sick of people like you inferring that people like me are simply state scroungers.
I really do hope to God that one day you find yourself in my position. Not a line that I usually take, however, you will then understand why being disabled doesn't always mean that you can work.
Pillock!
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