Calls to scrap cap on public sector wages
● A MOTION has called on the Government to scrap the ‘grossly unfair’ wage cap for public sector workers in Halton.
Cllr Dave Thompson was due to table the proposals at a Full Council meeting on the evening of Wednesday, October 18.
The motion – seconded by cllr Chris Loftus – said the council believes all public sector workers including those at Halton Borough Council should be paid a ‘fair wage’ which reflects the ‘valuable role’ they play in serving Runcorn and Widnes.
If backed, the motion states the local authority will write to Chancellor Phillip Hammond calling on the Government to remove the pay cap for public sector workers.
The motion calls for pay increases to be negotiated in line with any joint union pay claims, and to fund any agreed increases direct added Government expenditure so the public sector does not suffer ‘adverse reductions in budget’ due to added spending.
It also asks the Government to recognise the ‘prolonged reductions’ which public sector workers have suffered in their incomes and includes staff in NHS Trusts, Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service, and Halton Borough Council.
The document said: “Since 2010 the Government’s pay cap has seen either no annual increase or a limited pay rise for public sector workers, meaning NHS staff, emergency services and local government workers in Halton have faced diminishing incomes when considered alongside the cost of living.
“Council believes the pay cap is grossly unfair and affects the morale of public sector workers who serve the public, often in difficult and challenging circumstances.”