Response To Nina's letter to Council Chief Margaret Carney

We are very glad to receive the following response from Margaret Carney today. It goes some way to explaining why some of the cuts are being made. I note the council have considered the cost of outsourcing the flowers but have the council considered the potential loss in income from the nine redundancies and the costs of supporting these nine people through unemployment in their calculations? Also the loss of the income generated through tourism? The prize winning Nursery is a particular attraction and has been featured in national media more than once.


We are also glad to hear there is some hope for the museum building but would like to know what will happen to the exhibitions?
"Dear Ms Killen,

I refer to your e-mail dated 11 January and note its contents. In
response to your direct questions I would make the following
comments:-

The decision in respect of Botanic Gardens and the museum was made by
the Council in the light of the need to identify £44 million of
savings next year with a further £20 million the year after. The
decision was made on the basis of the relative priority of these
activities. In respect of the museum the Council does not have the
capital monies to undertake the necessary repairs and improvements and
therefore the building will be mothballed until such time as resources
become available. In terms of the Nursery, this was a value for money
decision on the basis that the plants produced by the nursery could be
procured elsewhere for £100k less.

I can assure you that the Council has taken into account the staffing
implications of all the savings that have been approved. It is
impossible to make the level of savings we need to make and for it not
to affect jobs. I can assure you we are doing everything possible to
minimise the implications on staff.

Members allowances and the terms and conditions of staff including my
own are part of the options being considered

There is a review of the Capita and Arvato contracts underway to which
the trade unions have been invited to participate

We are in regular dialogue with neighbouring Councils regarding their position.

Your sincerely


Margaret Carney,
Chief Executive,
Sefton Council."