LSWR T3 563

Exactly how HMRC ran a consultation last year on changes to the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. Feedback givers largely self-selected, and the process largely used to demonstrate (a) the decision making process and (b) the policy intent.

 

Because the NRM aren't capable of so doing, or the preservation movement aren't capable of responding intelligently? I'm not sure either answer is terribly comforting.

 

The point is more about what "The right thing" is. The 'right thing' as far the officer's career is concerned is whatever choice will please the senior executives/PHBs in his department, which in turn is whatever is in line with their current policy aims. It isn't necessarily what the public would like.

 

In general the Civil Service I have seen is characterised by staff wanting "to do things right", in accordance with their labyrinthine rules, avoiding professional harm above all other considerations, rather than "doing the right thing" necessarily. Very occasionally the latter two coincide of course. Policy and strategy is dominated by keeping short term ministerial interests satisfied mainly.

 

Well yes,. That is, after all, what they are paid to do. By and large the government employs people to do what the government says has to be done. It doesn't care that much whether they agree with it.

 

Trying to get this thread back on subject (T 3 I believe ) the SRT and Company are have an 'Open Forum ' at the Mowlem Theatre Swanage at 7pm on 22nd April, presumably for members . I am sure the T 3 will be discussed, a little more waiting is required.

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So, if a minister directed that overheads be reduced.......

 

Welcome to MoG....

 

My dear chap, ministers always direct that overheads must be reduced. From there on I suggest you consult this page.. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Yes,_Minister

 

and there we have the nub, expedience over strategy unless there is proper oversight, scrutiny and accountability. The point being made as a retort to "let the professionals get on with it" as a means of assuring a good outcome. Nothing could be less likely.

 

Think yourself lucky then it was given away to a good home rather than sold for scrap.

 

The SRT is indisputably a worthy custodian but has the "good home" really been established? That is to say, a better one than it already enjoys? Would not an interim loan pending a full but conditional transfer have been more prudent?

 

Would suggest therefore you get involved with the SRT and give practical help in the task of looking after the machine

PH

 

what harm is going to come to it? the paintwork is tired , the fabric of the machine even more so. Dozens of locos sit in the open all year round and yet are still cared for and don't dissolve into a rusty puddle.

 

The guiding principle should be whether effecting the transfer improves the long term security, condition and accessibility in a way that could not be achieved within the current national ownership. Corrosion damage is but one consideration, protection from vandalism or metal theft are others but the main point is how all the factors are taken into account in the rationale for disposal of a cultural artefact.
An example most would not wish to see repeated would be the LNWR G2 at Blists Hill. Sure, it eventually found a patron and was restored but not before it's condition suffered from being unprotected. SRT will not let the same thing happen but what is the due diligence process by the state to assure that?

 

Surely it is the NRM, not Swanage, which may need more help looking after what remains of the family silver?

 

Apart from challenging the government cuts via your local Tory MP (don't hold your breath on that one) and possibly encouraging even more consultation (which I don't believe will help), I can't see how the humble/moaning enthusiast can help the NRM, however in a smaller organisation with only one goal it would be much easier to help the lads and lasses @ Swanage?

 

Hmm. Involved with a group that runs Gift Aid but don't recall being invited to participate in any consultation. I wonder who was asked?

 

Not many directly, I found out about it through church channels and contributed to a combined CofE response. Note that this is GASDS, which works for loose cash collections where GA declarations aren't practical, and not Gift Aid itself. Still worth a tidy little bit, and potentially useful if you have collecting buckets.

 

I'm aware of GASDS but as I said, we were unaware of the consultation.