Not getting best value

I refer to comments so eloquently provided by progressive local Lib Dem leadership recently and printed in the Sunderland Echo.

In support of Coun Niall Hodson and others, who strongly support his well thought out observations, I write this letter in anticipation that readers might consider for one moment, how much they pay for councillors in Sunderland, compared to that which is paid to elected representatives across the other, more successful and arguably better run councils across the North East.

Sunderland Labour Councillors I understand, voted to pay themselves hefty allowances often running into tens of thousands of pounds.

They also have a higher proportion of their councillors (all Labour) on extra responsibility allowances, than any other council in the region.

Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside manage to run their budgets well within their means and provide good council services.

They listen to residents views and, importantly, pay themselves less for the privilege of serving the public, who elected them.

Those councils are less likely to be in the news for the wrong reasons and celebrate much success in respect of attracting inward investment.

Coun Mel Speding, who is currently tipped as favourite amongst a split local Labour Party, to become the next leader of Sunderland Council, continually attempts to defend the indefensible, claiming that the allowances awarded to Sunderland Councillors somehow provides good value.

It is a fact, that if we were to reduce councillors allowances to reflect that which is paid in successful, progressive councils such as Newcastle, £250,000 per year would be saved.

This £250,000 is the equivalent of employing more than 10 people on £20,000 per year, every year.

I challenge Coun Speding to explain to the hard working people of Sunderland, why he believes Sunderland Labour Councillors should be paying themselves such excessive allowances when their colleagues at Newcastle are taking far less from the public purse.

I thought we were all in this together – appears to me that there is one rule for us and a different one for them.

We the public are starting to wake up to how this Labour Council appears to treat its citizens – with contempt.

Perhaps now is the time for people to use their vote and demand integrity and respect from those in public office, instead of voting habitually for Labour Councillors.