Barnet Council – Use of Consultants

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Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:

 “Greater openness in spending is the best way to root out waste, spot duplication and increase value for money. That is why I have been asking councils to ‘show me the money’ so local taxpayers can see where their hard earned cash is going.”

 

Barnet has already published their details for April to June 2010.

http://www.barnet.gov.uk/expenditure_by_supplier_apr-jun_2010.xls

 

I am glad this data has been published because I have been asking, unsuccessfully, for the data on consultancy spend for several years. Whilst no organisation as large as the council can ever be fully staffed it is important there are effective controls on staffing costs.

 

There are a number of questions I will be asking:  

  • If we need all the consultants listed has a full business case has been produced?
  • How is the council capturing the skills and expertise of the consultant to transfer to Council staff.
  •  
  • What is the purpose and how will the work of the consultant will be performance managed?
  • Are we complying with HRMC guidelines for the employment of consultants?