Councillors put services before own pay

Lib Dem Councillors have voted through a 10% cut in Councillors allowances. The money saved will be used to protect vital services in Shepway.

Lib Dem Leader Cllr Linda Cufley said, "We have been forced to make cutbacks and to raise Council Tax to fill the hole in finances left by the Conservatives. We believe it is only right that Councillors also take a cut in their allowances too."

This is the second cut the Lib Dems have made to Councillors allowances since they took power last May. In June, all Cabinet members took a 10% cut in allowances, and allowances for other Councillors were frozen.

There had been widespread anger across Shepway at the way the previous Conservative administration had awarded themselves huge rises in their own allowances whilst cutting services and raising Council Tax. Just a few years ago, the then Conservative leader awarded himself an incredible 500% rise in his own pay.

Cllr Linda Cufley said, "The money saved from Councillors' allowances will be used to protect services that residents use every day."

ENDS