Forum Topic

Jolly Boys Outing

Hounslow Council Delegation Heading to Cannes, from front page - seems that nothing has been learned.

Vanessa Smith ● 412d13 Comments

I don't suppose any of the jolly boys will be asking developers in Cannes to build us a new arts centre.

Keith Iddon ● 406d

I think if you consulted locally and directly involved borough wide local groups with wisdom and tenacity who are desperate to bring a positive outlook to Brentford and other districts of this Borough Then you would not need these spiv run Cannes charades and dodgy back door deals, but an open self showcasing place that only welcomes good development, extremely high standards and clear expectations of good architecture and designs of longevity.  Nor should it be dictated by the Mayor of London's office to the nth degree.Organisations like Brentford Voice spring to mind but there must be others like it in other towns of this borough.If developers don't like it then tough.  That does not stop an authority insisting on the same standards for it's own projects. But sadly it seldom happens.It would be good to see Hounslow break the mould for a change.

Raymond Havelock ● 406d

Nothing wrong with people asking questions, and you could easily find out who paid for it. E Celt you won’t because it would show your chums up in a bad light.It seems there’s plenty of investment going on in Brentford.

Simon Hayes ● 407d

I declare a full house of the keyboard club on this thread!I have no idea who paid for MIPIM. I have never been a fan of this though those who support it (including people who have nothing to do with the council, or developers) believe it is important to build the image of Hounslow with potential investors, a category we are not overburdened by.I did go on a freebie to Cannes some years ago in a different life, when my expenses were paid by software companies (I was in the IT business). Frankly, I found it a bit of a bore, but at least my visit was in a warmer time of the year.

Guy Lambert ● 407d

Note that Lambert has responded to other threads this morning, but not a thing about MIPIM. Maybe he’s upset not to get an invite?

Simon Hayes ● 407d

As are most politicians and flunkies

Raymond Havelock ● 407d

I am sure they would like to know about back dated councillor allowance increases as well plus the numerous scandals involving Hounslow Council but he is extremely tight lipped on these matters

Paul Fisher ● 410d

We will see.Many of his constituents would be very interested to know,in my opinion.

Keith Iddon ● 410d

"Perhaps Councillor Lambert will tell us who is funding this in his next blog"I would not hold your breath Keith

Paul Fisher ● 410d

Perhaps Councillor Lambert will tell us who is funding this in his next blog.

Keith Iddon ● 410d

Well, an FOI request would reveal who the sponsors are for the  Hounslow jolly.

Simon Hayes ● 411d

There are serious questions about this and the continued avoidance of transparency at this event in particular.Media and Press are strictly controlled and have to sign copy approval agreements.Much is completely in secret.Done deals are a plenty and we see the results of previous done deals all over. With promises of " Leave it to us , You'll get what you want". All manner of allied 'Advisers and Consultants" ( aka Fixers ) show up at this and are like sharks.And then there are the notorious ' Hotel room events '.An ethical authority would have no truck with this and rather contradicts almost everything it puts out about standards and ethics.At the very least there should be a full and independent log of all meetings and events attended who was in attendance and exactly what is hawked.And that should apply to every single UK authority.

Raymond Havelock ● 411d

Perhaps Lambert should ask his colleagues who is funding this trip? If it’s developers, as was the case in Ealing, then it’s a conflict of interest. If it’s the council then why the constant bleating about funding cuts?MIPIM is notorious as a booze, drug and hooker fest.

Simon Hayes ● 412d