‘Insult to Kent taxpayers’

The decision to increase councillors allowances by a whopping 15% has sparked outrage – with widespread public criticism and fury among opposition parties at County Hall.

Unions and the campaign group the Taxpayers’ Alliance have also weighed in to denounce the decision and there’s even been criticism from Conservative councillors on other authorities.

Tonbridge and Malling councillor Ben Walker tweeted: “An insult to #Kent Taxpayers. The sooner we abolish idle Kent County Council & establish Unitary Authorities the better. Appalling.”

James Price, grassroots cam- paign manager at the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers have every right to be angry at this huge above inflation rise. Despite Kent County Council pleading poverty and raising council tax this year, they have someone found this extra money down the back of the sofa – against independent advice – to line their own pockets.

“For them to have the moral authority to carry out that important job, councillors must show restraint when it comes to their own taxpayer-funded allowances and ease the burden on hardpressed families.”

Paul Maloney, GMB Southern regional secretary, said: “The Tory majority on Kent County Council are being hypocritical in awarding themselves a 15% increase in their pay while implementing a miserly pay increase for their staff working in schools.

“These councillors should forego this increase until such time they are in a position to deal fairly with their own staff who are facing high levels of inflation and difficulties in paying their bills.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4 Park Mall Shopping Centre Ashford TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@ thekmgroup.co.uk