Its always a pleasure to receive a email from Helen Briggs The Chief Executive of Rutland
County Council, if she is not writing to The Rutland Times involving herself in political matters she's reading my blog.
Clearly all the contracting out and staff reductions, has freed her up to deal with the
more serious issues. Like those she writes to me about.
I know she is very fond of Oakham Town Councillor Alf Dewis, who I photographed sitting
at the County Council table dreaming of what he does not have.
The image was published with a description with a question mark.
I know local government law, no photography during the meeting.
I did not know until now I had to run for permission to take a photo from such a senior person
at the council.
Dear Mr Brookes
I was disappointed to learn that a photograph was posted on your blog on Tuesday 3 April which apparently had been taken in the Council Chamber shortly before the start of the meeting of the Development Control and Licensing Committee held on that evening.
I should like to remind you that although the meeting is open to the public to attend, it is not a public event happening in a public place. Quite apart from the questions of whether individuals shown in a photograph are willing to have their images taken in this way at all and then that they be published, anyone wishing to do so requires the permission of the Council to take photographs on Council premises. Any request should be made to me.
I understand that the caption under this particular picture described it as a “CCTV image” which clearly is untrue and misleading.
Regards
Helen Briggs | Chief Executive
Rutland County Council
Catmose, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6HP
t: 01572 758203 | f: 01572 758385 | e: hbriggs@rutland.gcsx.gov.uk
