´óÏó´«Ã½

Not many councillors find our a figure of fun.

Although it could be argued that he bears more than a passing resemblance to the likes of Stan Laurel, has cut a swathe through local authorities more akin to the antics of Atila the Hun.

The plain-speaking Yorkshireman has now been the subject of some plain speaking himself.

Mr Pickles has been called "a clown" by the boss of a South Yorkshire council.

Barnsley Chief Executive Phil Coppard has condemend the Communities Secretary's claims that budget cuts won't affect well-run councils.

Mr Coppard told ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Sheffield: "You've got this clown of a secretary of state saying that in well-run councils, the public won't notice any difference. I mean what planet is this guy on?

"It's the big lie tactic that if you tell a big enough lie, and say it often enough, then people will believe it."

But Mr Pickles hasn't see the funny side. The response from the Department for Communities and Local Government said: "Driving down the nation's deficit is the government's biggest priority but we have made sure that extra money, powers and funding freedoms are available to protect frontline services and the public from council tax rises, offering real help to hard working families and pensioners.

"This was a tough but fair settlement ensuring the most vulnerable communities were protected.

"If councils share back office services, join forces to procure, cut out the non-jobs and root out the over-spends then they can protect frontline services."

As we face up to the deepest cuts in living memory, who do you think will have the last laugh?

**
Clearly not me, as one of you kindly pointed out I've mixed up my Laurel with my Hardy..

• Bookmark with:
• |
• |
• - What's this?