The
Labour Group on Southend-on-Sea Borough Council now has a Press
Officer. Cllr Matt Dent was elected into the role earlier this week.
Central
Branch has had its annual general meeting. The following posts were
filled:
Chair
– Rachel Heemskerk
Secretary
– Martin Berry
Treasurer
Kursaal – Des Heemskerk
Treasurer
Milton – Mac Felton
Treasurer
St Luke’s – Des Heemskerk
Treasurer
Victoria – Gary Farrer
These
postholders are likely to have brief tenure as there is a putative
re-organisation of branches in the east of the borough.
The
Council organises many training events and briefings for members. I
do not get to everyone, but I get to as many as I am able. At a guess
I would say I attend about half, but I admit to maintaining no
attendance register. My attendance could be a lot poorer than I
imagine. This week there was a briefing on localities and health.
Four council officers ran this event, and their audience was six
councillors. (These were Cllrs Arscott, Buckley, Folkard, Salter,
Walker and myself). Five Conservative councillors, and me from the
Labour Group. I have no idea what these things cost, and I know that
these are important events. I also know that there are many demands
on our times – I can often attest to being double-booked (and
sometimes I have three or four clashing meetings). However, I cannot
help but wonder whether this delivers value for money for our council
tax payers.