Angry riposte to ‘frittering cash’ accusation

ACCUSATIONS of wasting money sparked a row between Labour and Lib-Dems.

Labour Councillor Olwen Chadderton asked why £500,000 had been cut from the integrated transport service while “luxury spending” was “frittering” money away.

She cited the council leader using the Mayoral car (pictured right) for single person journeys to meetings when he receives travel remuneration and spending £500,000 upgrading Civic Centre meeting rooms then spending money on four-star hotels for meetings 10 miles away. She asked if civic leaders should tighten their belts like the public.

Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes reacted angrily and said Labour had agreed to the integrated transport service reduction. He said it was inappropriate to further subsidise transport services for people receiving mobility allowances.

Labour had also agreed the civic car arrangements and they were cheaper. He accused Labour of going back on an agreement not to make political capital.

He claimed the Labour leader was the only member to seek and be granted payment in addition to his allowances, adding: “So do not lecture me and I suggest you get your own glass house in order first before throwing stones.”

Work on the Civic Centre had been agreed as necessary, was well received and was value for money. He added that Labour in power undertook 10 away-days at a cost of nearly £15,000. “I find it quite breathtaking that the opposition is attempting to lecture this administration around tightening belts and reducing costs. You are the blackhole party!”

The Lib-Dems had turned around a desperate financial legacy, he claimed.