One of the tasks I undertook as part of trying to be a 'critical friend' to the ruling group today at County Hall, was to read through the Oxfordshire County Council's Annual report. This document aims to set out what has been achieved at the County Council over the past year that we can tell our residents and partners about?
Well this document was pretty much a hatchet job to be honest. Take a look here if you like. Although described as a 'working draft' on the Cabinet agenda for the meeting, I have to say it did not inspire confidence. 40 odd pages of what is pretty much happening in the north of the County with little emphasis on incorporating many of our market towns and what we have done to improve the lives of Oxfordshire's residents. Abingdon doesn't get a mention and Didcot and Wantage/Grove are mentioned only as being part of a 'hub' (buzz-word of the moment!) for the Quadrant (which is supposed to be where all the active work in the county is going on). The word "Quadrant" is supposed to conjure up an image of an area where scientists and technologists are busy doing research providing solutions to all our problems.
Well this document was pretty much a hatchet job to be honest. Take a look here if you like. Although described as a 'working draft' on the Cabinet agenda for the meeting, I have to say it did not inspire confidence. 40 odd pages of what is pretty much happening in the north of the County with little emphasis on incorporating many of our market towns and what we have done to improve the lives of Oxfordshire's residents. Abingdon doesn't get a mention and Didcot and Wantage/Grove are mentioned only as being part of a 'hub' (buzz-word of the moment!) for the Quadrant (which is supposed to be where all the active work in the county is going on). The word "Quadrant" is supposed to conjure up an image of an area where scientists and technologists are busy doing research providing solutions to all our problems.
So, some nice photos (except the out-of-focus fuzzy pic of someone on p.39) but broadly a report lacking in focus - it needs some firm shaping up if you ask me. It is a pity a bit more effort hadn't gone into this. I did make these points today at the meeting, and as mention was made of the fact that I would be adding the story to my blog. I am doing just that knowing that at least someone is reading this - let's hope they take note!
The fuzzy pic is actually on page 35 of the document (which is page 39 of the pdf file - why the difference?) Anyway, just wanted you to know someone is reading this!!!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, we move home next week, more than 10 months after the flood. Can't wait!!
Thanks for this Sue - pleased to hear you are reading this and giving such attention to detail.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is p.35 of the document and said this in my speech, but then when I posted the link discovered it on p.39! Aaah the wonders of technology!