In his first meeting since being elected, British Democrat Councillor Ken Perrin of Chatteris was left open-mouthed and speechless as the following story unfolded.
Repair works on a short cul-de-sac, just 40 yards long, off Huntingdon Road (pictured above) and leading to a play area were initially estimated to cost £30,000. However, the final bill for the ratepayer ended up being £120,000.
The person who initiated this repair was Chatteris Town Councillor Ian Benney. He also serves as a district Councillor and Deputy Mayor of Chatteris.
Ken says, “At first, I could not comprehend how a ratepayer-funded project could quadruple in price with seemingly no questions asked. What really left me speechless was Councillor Benney’s response”.
He acknowledged that costs were “out of control” and then mentioned that he had spent three years completing the project, was proud of it and added, “I got what I wanted“.
He attributed the cost increase to the problems that arose as the work progressed.
Ken’s perspective is that when a contractor submits a quotation, that should be adhered to, with maybe a slight rise in costs, but not quadrupled.
Ken added, “I want to see the original tender, along with the other bids for the work. I also need the surveyors and drainage report, the further quotes for costs arising, and to what responsibility the contractor agrees. And why wasn’t a proper survey carried out before work commenced?”
“It was their responsibility for ongoing costs on a tendered job – not the ratepayers.“
“I cannot fathom how this job continued in the face of rising costs with no checks, balances and approvals signed off as costs rose to staggering, unacceptable proportions. It shows a complete and utter disregard for the ratepayer.”
Ian Benney is also the Councillor who made some disparaging and arrogant comments about the electorate last year. He said, “If they don’t like my decisions, they can always take out a judicial review—but who is going to pay for that?“. He also opposed the 575 residents who opposed the Wenney Road Meadows development by saying, “We make the final decision“.
Ken remarked, “As Councillors, we are expected and trusted to find the best solutions for community problems and improvements at the right price to the ratepayer.
Ian Benney has shown and still disregards the people who elected him. His actions and attitude undermine the good work many councillors do— he destroys that trust.
I am now going to request a full disclosure of the documents and processes that allowed this travesty to occur.
In the meantime, the question has to be asked—is Cllr Benney a fit and proper person to hold office either as a Councillor or Deputy Mayor? Maybe it is time for him to go.
The people of Chatteris deserve better than this.“
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Well said Councillor Ken Perrin. It appears that Mr Benney does not like being held accountable for his own actions.
Now that the quadrupling of costs for this cul de sac repair work is being questioned by a British Democrat councillor, we can see the evasive and indifferent response from Mr Benney.
From £30,000 to £120,000 ! Benney most certainly has a lot of explaining to do. Keep up the good work Councillor Perrin.
Thanks John. I have only just Started
Excellent article. This is a problem that occurs with public money. Very smelly!
Hi Tommy
I think I have opened up a can of worms here. i sm off most Councillors Xmas card list. Also, just “invited” myself onto the planning committee.