Black September at County Hall
Monday 13th September will see the start of a very strange week at Cornwall Council, as it launches a series of "Star Chamber" meetings designed ultimately to identify the 2,000 jobs likely to be axed at November's emergency budget. What's a Star Chamber? Well, I suppose the short answer is that it was a medieval court system, introduced in the 14th century. Wikipedia offers this:
"Over time it evolved into a political weapon and became a symbol of the misuse and abuse of power."Hmm. I'm reliably informed that these Star Chamber meetings will not be open to the press or public. The first official announcement of who has done what to whom will be at the October Cabinet meeting. Unless someone wishes to let me know earlier...
I'm ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 31st Aug 2010, Peter Tregantle wrote:Star Chamber was abolished by the Habeas Corpus Act of 1640, having become infamous as a tool of state terror. The Court of Star Chamber could impose any penalty short of death, and there was no right of appeal, no jury and no witnesses
Sounds like any other Cornwall council meeting, with plenty of expenses to be claimed for an appearance
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Comment number 2.
At 1st Sep 2010, deadloss wrote:Another behind closed doors meeting from the Lords of the Manor
Only one item on the agenda
How do we look after ourselves at the cost of the people outside the castle walls
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Comment number 3.
At 1st Sep 2010, Andrew Jacks wrote:Why not take the 2000 highest paid and work our way down the list, nobody is worth what we pay these people
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