On Thursday, April 30, The Voice printed a letter from Couns Avery, Sneath and Slade stating that I had given false information about the funding of magazine Pinchbeck Chimes.
Following my most recent FOI request on behalf of my fellow taxpayers, I am, once again, obliged to refute the charges made against me by the councillors and reveal the facts and figures.
On January 21, 2015, a total collective sum of £1,132.80 in payments to Glen Group Magazines was split between the three above named councillors via their designated members’ budgets.
The very next (February) issue of the Chimes featured a full colour front page cover photo of Coun Avery, Slade and Sneath possibly seeking to be re-elected for the Pinchbeck and Surfleet ward.
The editor responsible for content is the sister of Coun Sneath.
Pinchbeck Chimes is, or was, a church magazine, ostensibly, to “spread the word” regarding religion, local churches and parish activities.
Glen Group Magazines is the business of the Church of England.
Whatever way the councillors choose to dress it up, taxpayers’ money is used to cover its printing costs in the past and maybe will be used again in the future.
I’d rather my taxes were spent a way that benefits everyone in the community not just those who believe in a duty to impose religiosity in the forms I describe, regardless of whether or not they want or not.
Finally, is it the business of taxpayers to ask questions about the way our taxes are being spent?
Because if it is, why does it seem sensible for local councillors to risk forfeiting public trust and confidence by trying to mislead us on this subject, and, personally, trying to discredit those, like me, who ask such questions?
I’ve got my answers, and, it seems to me, those who govern, don’t like it.
David Turp
Pinchbeck
