Council to introduce a 'domestic violence champion'...

[DRiddle]

I had an e-mail recently explaining the council plan to introduce a 'domestic violence champion (or champions)' and that councillors should consider nominating a person or putting themselves forward for the 'honour'.

Firstly, don't get be wrong, domestic violence is a serious issue. I'm not making light of it. Local authorities should play their part in attempting to deal with it and help victims of it.

But... I just don't get what voting a councillor into the position of 'domestic violence champion' is going to achieve?

Surely the answer lies in signposting and raising awareness of the many specialist agencies which are already on hand to help tackle the issue.

For example, a quick call to 0808 2000 247 and you're through to the national domestic violence helpline. That's a proper legitimate organisation with experts, funding, connections and formal links with women's aid and refuge.

There's also 01823 334 244 to reach an organisation called 'mankind' because not all victims of domestic violence are women (although most are).

There's also a group called 'broken rainbow' for people in same-sex relationships who suffer from abusive partners. I don't have a number for that one but if anyone reading this requires their help i'm sure they'll have a website.

In my opinion, the council would be better off focusing on doing something in November to coincide with the 16 days of action campaign by the NHS which aims to raise awareness of the issue particularly to employers to help enable their employees to be more aware of it and look for the signs.

This is the latest in a steady stream of 'champions' within the council. So far I've seen little evidence of anything productive coming from the 'champions'. If anything, since we had an 'armed forces champion' HBC's relationship with local veterans appears to have gone backwards. Likewise, I don't know of many 'heritage champions' across the nation who routinely support the growth of brand new housing estates.

Still, I guess given Labours majority this WILL happen.

So i'll be nominating Councillor James.

[Foggy]

I'm not sure this trend of using the word 'champion' is applicable in this case. It sounds like someone who is championing domestic violence which is not really the image the council need right now. If this title has to be used then maybe 'Domestic Violence Support Champion' would be more appropriate.

If this position is to be filled by then it needs to be carefully considered to find someone who is qualified, experienced, knowledgable, intelligent, sensitive and understanding of people's needs. Any ideas where we would find someone like that in the Labour group? 

[fred c]

I can think of a couple of them that would be well capable of making a few quid out of it...... look no further than Ex-Councillor & close confidant of The Mob Member Angelina Ballerina...... they portrayed her as the Great Benefactress of The Manor

[for fawkes sake]

A pointless piece of politicking aimed at giving the impression of concern over the issue without actually doing anything.

[mk1]

I can think of a couple of them that would be well capable of making a few quid out of it...... look no further than Ex-Councillor & close confidant of The Mob Member Angelina Ballerina...... they portrayed her as the Great Benefactress of The Manor

When Cranney was in court at Newcastle

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/local/business-ban-for-former-councillor-1-989048


one of the main problems he had was Wilcox giving evidence against him. Angie went to Hartlepool police to complain a certain person was making threats against her and she needed 'protection' It was explained they could not 'protect' her. Angie then suddenly developed memory problems and  forgot nearly everything she had said previously. The Judge even commented about her evidence changing during Cranneys hearing.
Perhaps Cranney could be the 'Abuse Champion'?



publishedSaturday 29 July 2000 

 
A FORMER councillor who ran up debts of more than £300,000 at a security firm has been banned from running a business for five years.

Kevin Cranney, who represented the Rift House ward in Hartlepool until 1997, carried on trading with Mutual Securities months after he knew it was insolvent.

He failed to pay off creditors and ran up huge debts in the hope a buyer could be found for the failed firm. The company eventually wound up in February 1996 owing 305,615.

Yesterday s successful director s disqualification at Newcastle County Court brings to an end a four-year legal battle for 44-year-old Mr Cranney which has seen him cleared of theft but ultimately fail as a businessman.

The hearing was brought by the secretary of state for trade and industry who felt that Mr Cranney was incompetent as a director of Mutual Securities.

Prosecutor Jonathan Holmes said Mr Cranney hid behind a series of fraudulent transactions carried out by dishonest staff members that ultimately turned profits into losses.


But instead of rectifying the wrongdoing, he turned a blind eye while the debts built up.


You should have known what was going on. You re the director, said Mr Holmes

This wasn t even rectified after directors had their fingers burned not once but twice by previous staff.

Mr Cranney was invited onto the board of Mutual Securities the trading arm of the Owton Fens Community Association as an unpaid non-executive director in 1992. His knowledge of fundraising and grant applications was seen as useful.

The company s aim was to find security guard work for people from areas of high unemployment or decline. Contracts included Hartlepool Borough Council, Mill House Leisure Centre and a nightclub.

The company began to do well but the fraudulent activities of two former employees led to its ultimate downfall.

Specifically, accounts manager Alan Hart jailed for six months in 1996 for stealing almost 12,000 from the firm to fund a luxury lifestyle.

Hart was responsible for paying creditors as well as the monthly Inland Revenue and VAT returns.

But he failed to cough up for months on end, instead telling directors, including Mr Cranney, that everything was under control.

Mr Cranney, of Stockton Road, Hartlepool, should never have accepted that explanation, argued Mr Holmes.

Addressing District Judge John Wilson, Mr Holmes said: Mr Cranney knew what the position was but there was no howl of outrage.

Mr Cranney told you that he never trusted Mr Hart, that he thought he was lazy, that he wasn t putting in the returns but he did nothing about it.

Defending, barrister Matthew Caswell said the court needed to be satisfied that Mr Cranney was unfit to run a company.

He has been an honest, trustworthy and efficient director, he said.


But District Judge Wilson disagreed and banned him for five years. He must also pay costs the level of which have yet to be decided.


Speaking after the case, Mr Cranney said he felt he had been let down by justice.


This has been hanging round me for four years but at least everyone said it was not for self gain it was for people and jobs.

[Hartlepudlion]

Do 'Champions' get an extra responsibility allowance?

Or another non-profit company?

[DRiddle]

No there's no allowance attached. Hence why there's unlikely to be a cat fight among the Labour group for who gets the gig. If they'd have attached a £500 per year additional allowance to it they'd be fighting for it like ferrets in a sack.

I've lost track of the council's 'champions' positions. i know there's 'armed forces champion', a 'heritage champion', this one on domestic violence, i think there's a mental health one and possibly one or two others.

God knows what they'll come up with next. 'Granny pestering champion'?, 'flamboyant snakeskin shoe wearing champion?', 'lie through your teeth and bad mouth another local authority on regional television champion?' ...... oh and watch out for what i think will be my favorite.......  'HMP NewHall accommodation assessment champion?' (I reckon that one could be a residential position).

Hartlepool deserves better.

[Inspector Knacker]

Surely it's a case of branding certain councillors 'Champions' and hoping the title sticks ?