Attack over Legion backing

OLDHAM COUNCIL

A MOTION to support a Royal British Legion campaign designed to help returning soldiers and their families saw councillors accused of “political posturing”.

Councillor Mark Alcock moved a motion for the council to support the principles of the Legion manifesto, which urges better care of army personnel and their families in terms of benefits and health care. It was seconded by Councillor Valerie Sedgwick.

Councillor Joy Wrigglesworth said although she was not against the campaign, she felt the motion was playing politics. Councillor Ateeque Ur Rehman said: “The original motion creates a two tier system.”

However, Councillor Kay Knox said: “To talk about political posturing on an issue like this is a depth I never thought I’d see in this chamber.” Council leader Howard Sykes said councillors should not be falling out over the motion which only recommends the council expresses support for the campaign. The motion was unanimously passed.

Bank charge gripe

COUNCILLORS unanimously backed a motion to support a parliamentary challenge on bank charges.

Councillor Jim McMahon, who proposed the motion, said people could be charged £30 for being £1 overdrawn, and many people affected could not afford to pay the charges. Councillor Peter Dean seconded the motion and said: “These charges do affect the most vulnerable in society.”