Brent Democracy
I have been charged by the officers on the standard committee , which was posted on Wembley matters this is my response.
Dear James ,
I was not informed of this meeting and only read about it on Wembley Matter on the 22nd September.No doubt the CEO and the head of legal will say I was told six months ago this would be referred to the next meeting, however it is up to you to decide, whether it would be reasonable for CEO to inform me of the date of that meeting once it has been fixed.
Anyway I am unable to attend tonight for personal reasons.
Let me first point out there is no independent input into the report and I refused to accept that officers can come to a decision on selective emails and therefore I refuse to co-operated unless someone who was not on the officers "payroll" was involved .
Let me get things right and state why I believe the CEO was wrong to leave Brent to sit on operation Gold ,I believe operation GOLD, was a complete waste of time,its not my opinion its the opinion of many people.I strongly believe that quangos very seldom solve problems.
In the aftermath of the disaster I believe the Ministers were wrong to set up a quangos of CEOs as many of the victims believed senior officers were responsible for not listening to them. What was needed operation teams with hands on experience of logitics and how to deal with problems that would arise from Re -Housing , Social Services , Bereavement counselling , Food distribution etc. CEO could play a role by nominating their best officers and put them into the field with resources.The ministers view that we need more
Chiefs instead of Indians was proven wrong.
The following day I went down to South Kilburn and identified two blocks I believe were of concerns, George and Swift House , it was later proven that the 2 buildings were vulnerable.However during the next few days neither the CEO , The lead member for housing Cllr Harbi ,The lead member for Regeneration Cllr Tatler appeared in South Kilburn, even though they were aware of SK close proximity to Grenfell and the fabric of the buildings was similar and the problems around the new re generation building.
The officers on site did a sterling job on ensuring all survey were carried out.I also recognised that the Leader and Deputy Leader and the MP Tulip Siddiq (Who chaired a very well received meeting) turned up to reassure residents.
However the CEO decision not to support a emergency meeting was in my opinion wrong. It was clear the meeting may have been difficult as many resident needed to vent there anger and frustration.
The CEO had a number of options of how to respond to the request from the 5 Councillors ,Cllr Chan and Cllr Hector requested a meeting via all councillor email which included the Mayor.
She could have supported the meeting and assist the members who were calling for a meeting to get passed, or to ignore those members of the council and use the bureaucratic tactics to ensure it did not take place. The CEO then compounded the issue saying a meeting would take place but the residents would be barred and the meeting would last no -longer than a 1/2 hour.I believe the later decision was the worst decisionan affront to the democratic process
I believe the CEO was wrong so I am releasing some of the private emails between the CEO and myself and other officers,which may explain what was going on at the time, read from the bottom Up.
I would ask committee members to refer the report back to allow independent input into the report.
I have other things I wish to raise with the standards which I will send you later to-day.
End Of Part One.
Regards
Date: 11 July 2017 at 13:59:14 BST
To: "Downs, Carolyn" <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>
Subject: Re: Tower Block
I am at work at the moment , I just thought you should see that all. I will not argue with you but neither will I accept your behaviour . You never tried to contact me about cancelling the meeting , or explain your reasons you decided just to ignore me and the others .There is a distinction between transparency and Your position that 60 Councillors should 1/2hr to questions officers .
Imagine if you show the Councillors who called the meeting some respect and email them first and explained.. Then you might have been able to start your Email with
" I have spoke to the 5 Councillors who have called the meeting and they have agreed to withdraw their request to enable etc , etc .
No need to reply
regards
John Duffy
Thank you. I think many of us have been deeply affected by the tragedy at Grenfell. I accept completely that officers, myself included, should be challenged and pushed. There is, however, a distinction between acceptable and unacceptable challenge which I hope we can all recognise.
Carolyn
Carolyn Downs
Carolyn Downs
Brent Council
@Brent_Council #CrimeNotToCare
On 11 Jul 2017, at 12:17, John Duffy <johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:
This is something in my draft box I should sent earlier.
Dear Carolyn,I will try to explain for the last 2days I have been down in SK doing some routine stuff. For some reason because of the make -up of the victims of Grenfell Tower and the similarity between the residents of the SK, I have been overcome with concern and frustration.I find it hard to walk among the high rise building of SK without being haunted by the imagines of the tower on fire . It is not for me bringing clothes or making donations or cooking things .I am compelled to do something meaningful for the survivors and my residents.I have never been affected by this sort of thing before , normally I take things in my stride and just hope for the best. The reason are complexed maybe ,it's because I was born there or the fact I know many people who live in high rises or the neglect in the area I see everyday. More "that I'll do ", than "what can we do".I am determine to change that .Because I push officers ,it does not mean i do not respect what they do.I just want to ensure we deliver the best possible for the Kilburn residents.RegardsJohn Duffyhi JohnThe other RPs in South Kilburn are more the council's and not BHPs responsibility. I am pretty sure that all RPs are doing checks. PHil is getting his staff to check out all RP provision in Brent, not just SK.Phil and or Richard - can someone please deal with the issues Cllr Duffy is raising in relation to St George's houseCarolyn
Carolyn DownsBrent Council@Brent_Council #CrimeNotToCareGary,The real issue to me is the cladding used on the new build in SK, many of these are not in our ownership and most do not seem to have external cladding . We may need a joint meeting with our other partners as well as BHP to ensure the specification used for all new builds ( and any refurbishments) are not the same or similar to Grenfell Tower.Gary I know you said we are 100% compliant, but are we going to re-assess some of the failures which have already been highlighted.(1) Alarm not strong or loud enough.(2) Design and specification of any external material used.(3) I am not sure what information we give residents about how to behaviour in the case of a fire(This going to be a problem and believe the instruction to stay in your flat will probably changed.(4)1HR Stairwell fire protectionI assume we have fire stations on every floor of high-rise blocks and they are regularly checked.I am not sure how often this happens?Another thing that was mentioned was the lack of access for the Fire Brigade and I am concerned ( not a new concern) about the developers blocking roadways or leaving equipment overnight.This is something we could ensure is reiterated to developers.Richard, as you are aware I have received many complaints about George House concerning the workmanship and i am wondering if that needs a full H+S check as the general standard of finish is not of high quality and we must ensure that has not translate into other failures.I don't expect these thing can be done overnight and there are many issues that still need to unravel during the next days and weeks, we just need to be preparing and planning as everything unfoldsGary a quick phone call tomorrow around 8-30AM -9am would be good 07747765738 and a another phone call from Richard about 10 would also be good.Regards
From: Gary Wilkinson <gary.wilkinson@bhphousing.co.uk>
To: John Duffy Yahoo <johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk>
Cc: "Barrett, Richard" <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk>; "Downs, Carolyn" <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>; "Dave, Amar" <Amar.Dave@brent..gov.uk>; "Limond, Rowann" <Rowann.Limond@bhphousing.co.uk>
Sent: Thursday, 15 June 2017, 15:03
Subject: Re: Tower BlockCouncillor Duffy apologies, I cannot make SK in the morning as you can imagine I have operational priorities which need to take precedence around all the fire FOIs and enquiries that both LBB and BHP are being hit with, happy to join your 1000 hours call, I know that Phil and Carolyn are briefing members later today and I have issued a comprehensive briefing note in preparation for this, many thanks G
Gary WilkinsonDirector of Property ServicesBrent Housing PartnershipM: 07717 586775Gary I am make the CC for 8-30 prefer 9 as it just me and you could you come to Albert road in Kilburn.Richard can you leave a phone call slot for me during the day before 12.
regardsJohn DuffyHi John I can make myself available at 0830 in the civic centre if that suits you? Regards G
Gary WilkinsonDirector of Property ServicesBrent Housing PartnershipM: 07717 586775JohnI won’t be able to make a morning meeting tomorrow so hopefully Gary is available to discuss BHP approach.I have provided the numbers of the currently void units on SK, note it appears most of the Peel has already been re-occupied by BDL temporary accommodation families although we do have a number of currently empty units across the estate awaiting allocation or void repair.RegardsRichard BarrettHead of Estates RegenerationRegeneration & EnvironmentBrent Council020 8937 1330From: John Duffy Yahoo [mailto:johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: 15 June 2017 09:53
To: Barrett, Richard <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk>
Cc: Gary Wilkinson <gary.wilkinson@bhphousing.co.uk>; Downs, Carolyn <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>; Dave, Amar <Amar.Dave@brent.gov.uk>; Limond, Rowann <Rowann.Limond@bhphousing.co.uk>
Subject: Re: Tower BlockI can make it anytime tomorrow morning from 7 am
regardsJohn Duffy
On 15 Jun 2017, at 07:50, Barrett, Richard <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk> wrote:JohnForgot to say it would need to be in the Civic as I am there in the morning.Regards
Richard BarrettHead of Estates RegenerationRegeneration & EnvironmentBrent Council020 8937 1330
On 15 Jun 2017, at 07:42, Barrett, Richard <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk> wrote:JohnI don't have much availability Friday as I already have meetings arranged. Late midday only. 12.30 - 13.30.As you will know my regen programme is new build not retro reclad which is where they appear, at least initially, to be focussing as to possible cause. Gary will be able to advise as to BHP programme.I have contacted a former colleague in K&C enquiringly as to their proposals for the displaced families. We will also check today as to voids on the SK Estate. You will be aware we generally seek to relet to our own TA families but we may be holding some voids. Once I know numbers we can then see if we can assist.RegardsRichard BarrettHead of Estates RegenerationRegeneration & EnvironmentBrent Council020 8937 1330
On 14 Jun 2017, at 15:16, John Duffy <johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk> wrote:Richard,Gary,Are you around Friday morning for a quick update , anti me early going to Ireland for a familly do friday PM.Regards
From: John Duffy <johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk>
To: Gary Wilkinson <gary.wilkinson@bhphousing.co.uk>; "Barrett, Richard" <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk>
Cc: "Downs, Carolyn" <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>; "Dave, Amar" <Amar.Dave@brent.gov.uk>; "Limond, Rowann" <Rowann.Limond@bhphousing.co.uk>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 June 2017, 13:09
Subject: Re: Tower BlockThank Gary ,I do feel somewhat reassure. Its seem fairly clear from the pictures that the cladding acted like a wick and allowed the fire to spread to the underlying insulation and then floor to floor.I would not be surprise to find out all the old blocks which have not been modernised are better able to contain this type of incidences, than the new builds.Richard,who is responsible for George and Swift House. As you are aware both properties are suffering from poor workmanship including the external cladding and needs to be investigated.I know its a bit early but the specification of the cladding is important as either the fitting was poor or the cladding is sub-standard and i am concerned it may have been used on some of the new builds in SKAs I say there is no need to do anything at the moment , other than gather information and I am happy with Gary's response. However we need to ready with information,once the situation is clearer and at the right time and we may need to have a review with other landlords in SK.Not sure how K+C are going to deal with the medium and long term affects of this as weekl as the lost of life ,as I understand it , the tower was 24 Fls and 6 flats on each which means 144 famillies were made homeless last night and a community broken in half.As in all tragic incidences like this ,there will be lessons to learn.Regards
From: Gary Wilkinson <gary.wilkinson@bhphousing.co.uk>
To: 'John Duffy Yahoo' <johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk>; "Barrett, Richard" <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk>
Cc: "Downs, Carolyn" <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>; "Dave, Amar" <Amar.Dave@brent.gov.uk>; "Limond, Rowann" <Rowann.Limond@bhphousing.co.uk>
Sent: Wednesday, 14 June 2017, 11:34
Subject: RE: Tower BlockHi John, I’m around, just to give you some reassurance and as you mention we need to wait for facts and a clearer picture, its important we take a balanced approach and act proportionately. Myself and the team have been on this since 0500 as our emergency contingency planning kicked inWe are currently updating our website to reassure customers and reiterate actions on the event of a fire. (We have very few blocks with external cladding, the ones we do we will be assessing)We are 100% compliant in terms of fire risk assessments for all high and medium rise blocks but we are assessing external cladding risks which will take a little time to pull together.I will be providing Phil and Rowan a position later today and my compliance teams are in planning meeting as we speak.Hopefully to give you some reassurance I believe we are very robust on fire compliance, obviously as tragic as this incident is be assured we will identify any potential gaps and address once the facts are identified.Thanks GFrom: John Duffy Yahoo [mailto:johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: 14 June 2017 10:08
To: Barrett, Richard
Cc: Downs, Carolyn; Dave, Amar; Gary Wilkinson
Subject: Re: Tower BlockRichard,I am going down to SK today.I know we should not act until everything is clear , however we should be ready with an assurance strategy.Are you and Gary around tomorrow ?I will email later.
regardsJohn Duffy
On 14 Jun 2017, at 09:39, Barrett, Richard <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk> wrote:JohnI have a series of interviews all day today for the Peel developer selection process.I think Gary Wilkinson is the right person to go to in BHP. We will contact the RSL’s in SK to see if thye have any views..I imagine we need to get a clearer insight into the cause of the fire before we carry out any significant reviews abut would agree a reassuring statement for any concerned residents might be appropriate.Richard BarrettHead of Estates RegenerationRegeneration & EnvironmentBrent Council020 8937 1330From: John Duffy [mailto:johnduffymo@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: 14 June 2017 08:52
To: Downs, Carolyn <Carolyn.Downs@brent.gov.uk>; Dave, Amar <Amar.Dave@brent.gov.uk>; Barrett, Richard <Richard.Barrett@brent.gov.uk>
Subject: Tower BlockDear All ,Richard are you around today , to talk about the design Of our new blocks To see if we are using the same gladding as Grenfell Towers. It would look like both the dry -risers and alarms failed to some degree.Also the emergency evacuation plan seem to have been confusing. Clearly we need to gather information ASAP once the emergency services have the situation under control.However I do believe we need to meet to asses what we are going to do to reassure our residents.I am not sure who will be the lead officer for BHP, but I would like to meet them this afternoon along with Richard if available.07747765738Regards
I think that judging by the strong feelings that were expressed to and fro in the aftermath of the GrenFell Tower tragedy,
ReplyDeleteit was pretty clear to me that the 'writing was on the wall.'
When Cllrs and Chief executives 'clash' in such a way,
there can only ever be one outcome and I think that was seen by the eventual resignation of Cllr Duffy from the Brent Labour group
closely followed by the loss of his seat in May's local elections.
The pairing of John Duffy with the Brent Labour was a marriage destined to end in a divorce.
The only difference is that John Duffy was the one accusing his former partner (Brent council) of unfaithfulness to Brent residents.