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The Harbourmaster has stated that in the year ending March 2018, the crane on the Vincent Pier has cost £1,847 in repairs and maintenance, and has generated an income of £1,363 in the same period.

Further data provided by the Harbour Master show the Vincent Pier crane finances over the past 13 years:-

It is readily apparent that, even after disregarding the initial installation costs (in 2005), the crane has never, throughout the ensuing thirteen years, generated enough income to cover even one-half of its maintenance costs.

It is interesting also that the SBC Financial Strategy document dated March 2017 contains this paragraph:

“Value for money should be at the heart of everything the Council does, and the pursuit of improved efficiency and performance needs to be established as an ongoing underlying principle”.

I wonder, how do the Vincent Pier Crane figures over the last 13 years represent ‘Value for Money’?

Perhaps Councillor COCKERILL would care to explain?

Based on the information provided by SBC via FOIA 1386, 3283, 4098, 4640, 5116 and 5867.

FOIA 5867 also discloses that, during the 2017/18 financial year, the Vincent Pier Crane was out of action for 38 days – over 10% of the year. During this ‘down time’, SBC did not provide alternative facilities.