READERS HAVE SAY ON CITY CAR COSTS:
£40,000 TRANSPORT BILL BRINGS MIXED REACTION
The revelation that Sunderland City Council has spent more than £40,000 on mayoral transport since 2015 has split opinion.
The figures were released this week by the TaxPayers’ Alliance – and also showed that the money was spent on leasing two Volvos and a Nissan Leaf, as well as covering insurance bills for the vehicles.
And while the Alliance called on mayors across the country to fund their own travel, Sunderland’s cabinet secretary cited the “significant work” done by the mayoralty in the community, as well as raising thousands of pounds for the city’s good causes.
On our Facebook page, dozens of you reacted to the news with some calling for the council to find cheaper ways to travel.
Others argued that the “extraordinarily long hours” justify the spend, and that other councils in the country likely claim more than Sunderland’s £42,000.
Helen Freeman said: “Does he/she not have a car of their own? Does the position of mayor need to include a new car every year?”
Jackson Stubbs replied: “Consider how much the mayors raise for various good causes whilst in post. Iain Kay raised thousands for Sunderland Carers’ Centre whilst mayor.
“I’m not saying there isn’t a more cost- effective way for them to get from A to B, but let’s also not pretend they spend their entire year in office going from one free lunch to the next!”
Louise Dodds said: “Most top jobs come with a car, do they not? I see no difference, and I’m pretty sure every council is the same.”
While Martin Allison added: “A fact in isolation can be misconstrued – the mayors will no doubt have to work extraordinarilylong hours, attend many events and be prepared everywhere they go – work out how much an ‘ambassador’ for the city should be remunerated/cost of transport etc. Let’s think of the bigger picture.”
John Bowes said: “Why not get a cheaper car? I am sure there are many such vehicles available and suitable for the job. This sort of spending is a disgrace.”
Anita Short added: “Imagine how much it is down south.”
Brian Curley Pyle suggested: “Go green get him a bike.” While Mel GarraghanMoore simply said: “Do we even need a mayor?”
Joanne Huntrod said: “Get rid and put the money into cleaning the streets.”
John Quinn added: “Depends on the money the mayor brought into the city, which I’m sure will have surpassed the cost of the car and their drivers wages.”