HAVING read that Oxford City Council has spent more than £44K on employing consultants in a ‘no holds barred’ forward approach, as stated by Councillor Colin Cook, I find this a complete waste of taxpayers’ money.

What are we going to get? A glossy report, stating the most obvious, as pointed out by the traders themselves, signage, paintwork, lighting and entrance issues... So why employ consultants when they know the major problems?

While I appreciate they will come up with other recommendations, such as promotions, etc, but why not discuss with the market traders how to go forward?

After all, they are the ones who are having to fork out rent, their own money, not gifted to them by taxpayers.

It is no wonder then that massive rent increases are required to pay for the executives who obviously (in my opinion) have no idea what they are doing, and have no business knowledge whatsoever, and should not be in charge of any department within the council.

I was told many years ago that if you are in charge of a business or head of a department and you have to employ consultants you are not fit for the position you hold.

After all, you’re being paid for the job and you should know how to do it.

ROBIN EADLE
Headley Way
Headington