Weekly roundup of events at Bodcaster City
Council
Monday
At around 11am I was summoned to see our policy officer or, as
he is known within Bogcaster City Council, Rasputin. It seems the
government is considering a further round of structural reform of
local councils. We have put in a proposal to expand our boundaries
and take over the neighbouring district of Hogwash.
"So what has this got to do with IT?" I asked. Rasputin smiled
condescendingly and explained, "Money, dear boy, money. The
financial savings in our bid were prepared by Angst and Jung. The
government seems to think they are a bit sketchy and has asked for
a more detailed costing.
"We don't want to trouble the consultants again on that, so we
need you to do it for us by close of play Wednesday."
Tuesday
Called Rasputin to say the Angst and Jung figures do not stack
up. They are showing annual savings of £4m, but the total IT spend
at Hogwash is a tiny £1m.
"So, be creative," he suggested.
"You mean you want me to lie through my teeth," I clarified.
"That is an unfortunate interpretation of what is necessary for
the greater good."
"But I am a chartered engineer, bound by professional
conduct."
"Oh please! Look, the expanded council will need to restructure
its management team. Will we need a director of IT, I am
wondering?"
"Err I'll have the full breakdown of the £5m savings with you
first thing."
Wednesday
Submitted my report on potential IT savings. If this happens
they will simply combine the two budgets and take £5m off the
bottom line. Since in reality there will be no savings to speak of,
our budget will be reduced by a third. Can't let that happen.
Thursday
Popped down to town for the day. Diary says I am attending a
seminar on nanotechnology applications in supercomputing. I am on
the delegate list, along with a large number of other local
government IT managers. Well, we like to be forward thinking.
Actually, I am lunching at the Commons, with Auberon
Montisque-Harris, maverick Tory MP for North and West Bogshire.
Friday
The Bogcaster Gazette leads with how Bogcaster City Council has
spent hundreds of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money on
consultants whose business case for the expansion of the city
boundaries is completely flawed.
A number of costings in the proposal are comprehensively
debunked - including those for IT.
Missed an instalment of the DPM's adventures? Catch up
online
www.computerweekly.com/dpmdiary