Andrew George MP Unimpressed by One-Stop Shop Staff Cuts

Andrew George has told the Leader of Cornwall Council that he is not impressed by the Council’s proposals to make further staff cuts at one of its main local offices at Penzance, forcing staff to travel on a daily basis to Camborne.

Mr George visited staff at the Penzance One-Stop Shop at St Clare last Friday afternoon, 15th July, following representations to the Council months before. Mr George has asked to see the Director of Communities, Gill Steward, to discuss the proposals which the Leader of the Council has claimed will save up to £300,000 per annum.

Planning staff have already been moved from Penzance to Camborne and this proposal could affect another 30 staff working from St Clare. The move could happen in weeks – with an implementation date of September/October.

Mr George said, “The proposal will damage staff morale and affect council tax and housing benefit customers. The Council claim it is ‘consulting’ staff with what appears to be a fait accompli just weeks before its proposed implementation. Instead the Council should have started with the staff and asked them how they believe savings might be made. After all it is they who know best how the system works.”