From Prison Dinners To Pub Grub, Parking And Pensions
Local councillor John Todd writes about his week
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Cllr John Todd represents the Homefields ward in Chiswick
Sunday 4th October
In the morning I went to Wormwoods Scrubs prison to mentor a new member of the Independent Monitoring Board. We visited a number of wings, the hospital and the segregation unit observing and collecting complaints forms and visiting the prisoners submitting.
In the kitchen we tasted a sample meal. On one wing we met a number of prisoners who've finished their sentence and are detained pending a decision from the HM Immigration Service.
Returned home and delivered some apples to the Abundance event outside St Michael's Church. Had a bash at using the apple crusher for a couple of sessions.
Read a committee report for a meeting on Tuesday which was light on facts and thin on detail. Emailed my comments to the relevant Director and Lead Member who didn't buy all my concerns. That's life.
Sunday 4th October
In the morning I went to Wormwoods Scrubs prison to mentor a new member of the Independent Monitoring Board. We visited a number of wings, the hospital and the segregation unit observing and collecting complaints forms and visiting the prisoners submitting.
In the kitchen we tasted a sample meal. On one wing we met a number of prisoners who've finished their sentence and are detained pending a decision from the HM Immigration Service.
Returned home and delivered some apples to the Abundance event outside St Michael's Church. Had a bash at using the apple crusher for a couple of sessions.
Read a committee report for a meeting on Tuesday which was light on facts and thin on detail. Emailed my comments to the relevant Director and Lead Member who didn't buy all my concerns. That's life.
Monday 5th ; Fly tipping incident on Dukes Meadow which was promptly reported.
Drove to St George's Church in Hanworth Park to met the genial vicar re a planning matter. Not my patch but we met at a planning meeting and I enjoy learning more about our borough.
He is challenging an earlier planning approval at a ecclesiastical court and relying on Victorian legislation that severely restricts acquisition of consecrated land which was built on. A wonderful church where Henry Vlll worshipped.
In the evening compulsory licensing training eloquently given by a most experienced barrister who was able to speak from both sides acting for applicants and various local authorities.
Had a wonderful dinner with my son and wife in The Cabin restaurant. He's just finished a two week residential course in Kent with other Clore Fellows who come from many countries to participate. He's off to Atlanta in the morning.
Tuesday 6th ; In the morning attended a pension seminar in central London. Bagged my CPD points and met a diversity of representatives from funds, trustees and advisors. In the afternoon in the Civic Centre I met with the new Chair of The LBH Adult Safeguarding Board a former experienced Director from Croydon. The new Care Act materially changes the Board's role and The LBH Leader wanted me to meet with her.
She emphasised her independent role. I mentioned the need to keep all members informed of both success and failure. I mentioned two recent CQC reports on LBH homes that highlighted a need for minor changes. She was aware of these and displayed evidence of having a comprehensive knowledge and awareness of other contemporary LBH adult issues.
Wednesday 7th; Cllrs received an email setting out details of proposed funding awards from S106 funds. These funds come from developers and others as part of a planning obligation. Chiswick was hardly mentioned so I circulated a number of organisations and individuals prompting them to apply. The Lead Member Cllr Dennison said he would allow fresh entries. Working with the excellent Hounslow Chamber of Commerce we submitted an application which would provide temporary business premises and employment for sole traders and SME's
Thursday 8th; Drafting an email to the LBH Cabinet explaining what had been taken place following my successful request to them in early September, to temporarily withdraw a cabinet decision to renew a £20m plus contract for the provision of gas and electricity. My research indicated that there was more competitive pricing outside the chosen supplier. Regrettably for a number of reasons including timing and the procurement process, I was unable to persuade officers to change their recommendation.
LBH spend £600m per year on goods and services. I want far more spent with local companies who can give both excellent value and service. In the evening I attended a pre opening of a new restaurant wing party in The Griffin Pub Brentford. The manager is a master chef and the canapés were delightful.
Friday 9th; Emailing the Lead Member for parking highlighting the continued poor service provided by our contractor regarding the issue of CPZ permits and temporary permits. He promptly acknowledges this concern and is endeavouring to resolve
I then drove to Arundel Castle for a pleasant day out. Our dog loved the beach.
Rosie, John Todd's dog, came third in the Waggliest Tail competition at Chiswick Dog Show
Puppies now due in a few weeks. I've now finished making the whelping frame complete with internal tubular edging to prevent mum accidentally crushing any of the pups.
October 12, 2015
