Councillors in plea for extra cash as budget pressures risk forcing ‘impossible choices’

A “PERFECT financial storm” faces Dundee, it has been warned, amid calls for extra council funds and a pay rise for public sector staff.

The combined impact of the coronavirus, Brexit and a loss of income, has prompted Dundee City Council to unanimously seek more cash.

Councillors have said that to protect jobs and services, the council needs money in addition to the coronavirus support packages already offered at a national level.

At the policy and resources committee, councillors also called on both the UK and Scottish governments to give public sector workers a pay rise.

This comes after Chancellor Rishi Sunak said he planned to freeze the pay of millions in the public sector.

Council leader John Alexander suggested it was a “slap in the face” to people working in key roles during the pandemic.

He added: “I think this is quite insulting to suggest that they should be taking a freeze or a below-inflation rise, given how hard they have been working.

“They have dedicated themselves to working hard and protecting fellow citizens. They should be recognised for that.

“I’m realistic that the UK Government is not going to bow to Dundee City Council’s will but I think it’s really important that we defend the position of public sector workers.”

His motion, suggesting that they write to the chancellor saying the council does not support the freeze, and public sector staff should be paid “fairly and appropriately” was unanimously agreed.

Tory councillor Philip Scott pointed out that some public sector staff, including those earning less than £24,000 per year, will receive a pay rise, and the living wage will be increased.

He said: “If a way could be found to give public sector workers more money that would be a good thing but we have to look at the overall position.

“Around £280 billion has been spent to deal with the cost of Covid-19 and 800,000 people have lost jobs during the crisis.”

Councillors also warned that the local authority faces “impossible choices” in the coming months.

They unanimously agreed to support trade union Unison Scotland’s campaign, calling for public services to be rebuilt.

The motion, by Liberal Democrat councillor Fraser Macpherson and Mr Alexander, calls on the Scottish Government to lobby the UK Government for more money in the upcoming budget.