Update on Barnet's money with Iceland's banks

Further to my previous post about the position on Barnet Council's savings I point you towards an explanation of the situation from the Leader of the Council, Mike Freer.

http://leaderlistens.com/

Barnet's money in Iceland

As has been well publicised, Barnet Council has £27.4 million invested in banks in Iceland. This has led to much concern amongst residents of Barnet, given the financial situation across the world and in Iceland and the UK in particular.

Next week, the Council's Cabinet will be discussing the issue. Ahead of this meeting, a paper has been published on the Council's website which helps to explain the situation. http://committeepapers.barnet.gov.uk/democracy/reports/reportdetail.asp?ReportID=7341

There has been much debate about whether the Council should invest it's income in bank accounts and the paper helps to outline the wider circumstance's on why this has been done, which has helped over previous years to increase the Council's income. This has therefore helped to maintain the level of services, while not having to raise Council Tax even more then it has increased.

Following the Cabinet meeting next Wednesday on 23 October. There will be an Extraordinary Council meeting at 6:30pm on Tuesday 4 November at Barnet House, to discuss this issue.

Response to Don't call me Dave

A commentor on my previous post about the Council's new website www.whereilive.org has asked me some questions about one of the postings which was made on the site, which he has said was rude to Jewish people.

I condemn all forms of attacks on Jewish people, whether they be verbal or physical and if anyone experiences this I urge them to report it to the police or the CST http://www.thecst.org.uk/index.cfm?Content=9

I am though not able to comment on whether the posting was anti-semitic, as the Council took the posting off before I had a chance to view it, and has referred the comment to the Borough Police Commander. I believe this is the correct action.

What I do know is that sadly a number of residents in the borough are racist and anti-semitic, but I am glad that these appear to be a tiny minority of the population. However, if this comment or other actions do appear to be anti-semitic they should be punished in accordance with the law.

A new way to comment on what you think of the area

I am pleased to say that Barnet Council are always trying to find new ways for local residents to communicate with the Council and to give us all the chance to give our views on what we think of the area and areas which can be improved.

To do this Barnet Council has launched a new You Tube style website that allows you to provide comments or to provide video and pictures of what you like or don't like.

So next time you have a chance why not have a look at www.whereilive.org

Happy New Year

I would like to wish a Shana Tova to my Jewish readers. I hope we will all have a sweet, successful and peaceful new year.