FTHN: From the Hornets Nest

		Wednesday, 26 October 2011

An exclusive message from Pooter Cockell for LGA members and readers of Dame Hornet           Dear Colleagues, This week began with a very constructive meeting with Lord Chris Smith and Dr Paul Leinster, Chairman and Chief Executive respectively of the Environment Agency. As well as discussing planning and climate change adaptation, we focused on the progress councils are making in respect to their new responsibilities under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and the provision of environmental information such as coastal erosions maps. His Lordship was very jokey about my First Class airfares and my climate changing 6 MPG 150 litre V 100 Bentley limo! I was pleased to catch up last week with Louise Casey, Victims Commissioner but recently appointed by the Prime Minister to lead the Government's response to the recent civil disturbances with a new DCLG team under her. I will be meeting with Louise again shortly as she undertakes this role to ensure local government's perspective is strongly and accurately represented. (memo to me...I  must remember to whack in my expenses) I also enjoyed attending and speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference (NCASC) last week. It was a great opportunity to consider the challenges ahead.    Finally, looking forward, the LGA will be holding an event on 16 November, Top pay the local way.  This is an area that I have huge experience in. My 2 colleagues, Cllrs La Baronessa Ritchie, Danny Moylan and myself are now pulling in nearly £450,000 a year and my friend Mr Myers is on £280,000 so we are very expert in RBK&C about TOP PAY THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT WAY!   This has been organised in response to the forthcoming provisions within the Localism Act and the recommendations within the Hutton Report, and will act as a hub to allow discussion and analysis around the issue of senior salaries. I am pleased to confirm that Bob Neill MP (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government) will be attending. Best wishes, Cllr Sir Merrick Cockell Chairman, Local Government Association