Oh, look! It’s councillors and donations again!
Just three out of 51 Southend councillors signed up for a voluntary scheme to help fund cash-strapped youth services out of their allowances.
What a shocker!
Mr Terry, who came up with the idea, said he hoped enough councillors would have contributed to pay the wage of an extra youth worker or bankroll some new equipment.
But the lack of support means only £1,770 has been deposited into the scheme so far.
Yes, it’s different when you’re asked to dig into your own pockets, isn’t it?
Mr Terry said: “I am bitterly disappointed. I wanted us to cut our allowances to reflect the other cuts across the board. That wasn’t approved, so this was the next best option. To have so little support is shocking.”
And yet, entirely predictable…
The moves were dismissed as a political “stunt” by Tory council leader Nigel Holdcroft, who pointed out councillors’ allowances had subsequently been frozen by the independent panel.
His own special allowance of £33,208, which he receives for being leader and chairman of the appointments committee, was cut by about £3,900.
He said: “Many councillors choose to financially support charities and other good causes, but without attempting to publicise the fact.”
Oh, please! If you’d suggested it you’d be doing exactly the same as Mr Terry, and you know it!
Graham Longley, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrats, added: “I already donate a lot more than 10 per cent of my allowance to several causes. I believe councillors should be left to make their own decisions on how their money is used.”
Excellent idea! When are you going to make the same concessions to us ratepayers?
Great point
We had a charity night for MacMillan nurses in our local.
We invited the Mayor & several other dignitaries to the event.
The people giving the most money were those who could least afford it. It took a real effort of will for us to shame the bastards into giving!
Next time, give in!
Graham Longley, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrats, added: “I already donate a lot more than 10 per cent of my allowance to several causes. I believe councillors should be left to make their own decisions on how their money is used.”
The vile little toe-rag.
Do you think he fully understands what he’s just said?
Graham Longley, leader of the council’s Liberal Democrats, added: “I already donate a lot more than 10 per cent of my allowance to several causes….”
IIRC LibDem councillors are required to ‘donate’ a proportion of their allowances to … the LibDems. It might even be 10%. One of ‘several causes’ perhaps? Pious little s…
Really? The cheeky little sod!
Back in the real world :
link to zerohedge.com