Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
A Conversation with Rev Paul Nicolson
HoL members have heard about Paul Nicolson - the "retired" Church of England minister who now lives in Tottenham and who has been asking Haringey Council to behave reasonably, properly and with compassion to our poorest and most vulnerable residents. And when Haringey won't listen, Taxpayers Against Poverty - which he helped set up - has taken Haringey to court and won.
Now you can see Paul on video in an edited conversation when he answered questions from Liz Ixer.
A Remarkable Man
Many months ago, Zena Brabazon and I had a long talk to Paul. We thought him a remarkable person. Not simply because of his current campaigns but because of his personal history and strong principles.
We thought that many others may also like to make his acquaintance - if only online. So we looked for ways to put together some people to make a short video.
Though Paul wasn't too keen to talk about himself. The point wasn't him, he insisted, but the people that Taxpayers Against Poverty were fighting for. And the issues they were raising. But we've left some biographical background in, as it tells you a bit about the man.
Waiting for Grant Thornton
During the next fortnight Paul Nicolson hopes for a favourable ruling from Grant Thornton, the Council's Auditors, about the arbitrary £125 court costs charged to residents for legal action on Council Tax. Hol members may remember that this has been delayed for several months. It was discussed in this thread begun by Clive Carter.
Please have a look at the video.
And let other people know about it. The video was made on a bit less than a shoestring budget.
As well as Liz Ixer giving her time, we had help from volunteer media students from Brunel University who booked-out equipment, and worked with Artur Čonka a Tottenham-based filmmaker.
Tags for Forum Posts: Artur Čonka, Grant Thornton, Haringey Council, Liz Ixer, Paul Nicolson, Taxpayers Against Poverty
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John D on
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As you say - a remarkable man putting his principles into action. I'd love to see him talking to Jeremy Corbyn
One small correction - as Nicholson says in the video - Taxpayers Against Poverty is not a charity.
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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on
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Many thanks, John. Keen to let people know about the video, I was working too late. Apologies if anyone was misled by my carelessness. Here's the description on the TAP website, where there's more information - including about the Court cases. The link: http://www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk/
"TAP -Taxpayers Against Poverty is not a charity but has registered as a not for profit company so we are publicly accountable for our income and expenditure. Not being a charity means we are free from the political restrictions of the Charity commission. We act without allegiance to any political party."
Paul himself has spotted another small error. "In the video I have inadvertently called myself a “member” of the Iona Community – I am not. I am in fact an associate".
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You suggest a video of Rev Paul Nicolson in conversation with Jeremy Corbyn. I'll pass on the idea. Are you perhaps volunteering to assist with the film-making this time?
One of my own thoughts about Paul Nicolson's battles with Haringey - I'm not speaking for him - is that the Council's top brass could have benefited from listening to him. Instead of pouring tens of thousands down the drain in legal fees. And even when the Council lost the first case in the Supreme Court (about its inadequate consultation); they refused to see that the second case (on the £125 Court costs) was "indefensible". That was the word used by the judge.
Jeremy Corbyn, in his speech to the Labour Conference, made a point of saying he needs to listen to people who tell him what he's doing wrong. I think that's always sensible advice. People you disagree with are sometimes right. People you like are sometimes wrong.
Were Haringey councillors listening carefully when Paul Nicolson spoke to a Council meeting? I hope so. But although I didn't see this myself, I heard that one councillor was observed playing "Candy Crush" on their smartphone. Seems this is a popular computer game involving cartoon characters Tiffi and Mr Toffee and their sweet saga in the wonderful Candy Kingdom.
Perhaps a few more councillors will turn off their phones and watch the video.
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
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"indefensible". That was the word used by the judge.
Heard it with my own ears. Also heard her describe LBH's barrister as talking "waffle". Her description was accurate.
It has now been exactly five months since the High Court case that I attended about Haringey Council's £125 charge. I and many others will wait to read Grant Thornton's eventual report, with interest. The stakes are quite high for both sides: large sums of money for 'Haringey' and the reputation of the auditor for independence.
One of the ways that Haringey Council could stop wasting money is to stop pouring tens of thousands down the drain in legal fees.
Haringey Council has often defended itself in Court whether it is right or wrong and no one seems able or willing to exert the leadership necessary to prevent the burning of public taxes. This case isn't the only instance. Far less expensive to admit the truth: sorry, we were wrong and we apologise. That was one of those cases that required moral leadership.
(thank you Alan for the video that I watched with interest).
CDC
Councillor
Liberal Democrat Party
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Permalink Reply by Over2you on
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It has now been exactly five months since the High Court case that I attended about Haringey Council's £125 charge. I and many others will wait to read Grant Thornton's eventual report, with interest. The stakes are quite high for both sides: large sums of money for 'Haringey' and the reputation of the auditor for independence.
It appears from the Reverend's website that he is still awaiting the report of Haringey’s external auditor but reveals the following:
I have now learnt, from someone who has received a summons and a liability order, that Haringey has reduced the cost of a summons from £125 to £102. They then add £13 when the magistrates grant a liability order; making the total for a liability order £115.
Any downward movement of the level of costs is obviously a success It is also a bonus that they are now applied in two stages as the law provides. However, this current arrangement I do hope is provisional and the level reduced drastically when the external auditor's report is out.
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Thank you very much, Pavlos. I will be passing on all comments to Paul; and of course, to the people who worked on the video.
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Update: Rev Paul Nicholson has lost his council tax case - report here.
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As many will already know, Paul is no longer with us. The above is an excellent tribute to him.
It would be good to watch that video again. The Vimeo link is broken. Does anyone have another link for it?
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Permalink Reply by Michael Anderson on
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I didn’t know - that’s very sad to hear. A human being of true conscience and compassion
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