Labour Councillors Response to Frozen Council Tax

Today, 10th March, is Wandsworth's Council Tax Debate. We all know that Council Tax will be frozen and welcome the fact that in these difficult times there will not be an increased burden on Wandsworth's Council Taxpayers. That is both Wandsworth Council's and the Labour Government's intent, with we understand in London only Tory Bromley Council imposing a 3% increase.



To do this, however, the Council is assuming Zero inflation on Town Hall pay - fair enough you might say but there is no indication of how that is to be applied. With some of the highest paid staff in local government, with all the highest paid on very generous bonuses, Labour councillors will today argue that any pay variations should be for the benefit of the lowest paid and paid for by the highest paid.



Labour councillors therefore argue for the abolition of Wandsworth Council's very expensive bonus culture and the distribution of that money between the lowest paid and those, usually the elderly, suffering the highest charges for Council services. For example Wandsworth residents needing meals on wheels have suffered a 26% increase in costs ABOVE INFLATION in the last 4 years.



The amendment put by the Labour Councillors in favour of this policy can be seen in the following file: Budget%20amendment%2010310.doc