Money for Nothing

12.16.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Apr 2008

Outrage as Labour councillors move for pay off

People have reacted with outrage after Labours leadership at County Hall backed a call for councillors who lose their seats at the forthcoming elections to receive compensation. Cllr Bill Brooks Labour leader of the current council was quoted in the journal as supporting the call, which has been put forward to government by the National Association of Councillors led by Labour Councillor Peter Mole.

"As a tax payer I am aghast that a councillor would think of being paid for doing nothing. I am calling on all councillors to disown this crackpot scheme. Its taxpayers money and councillors have to be the guardians of that." Commented Councillor Neil Bradbury.

"This proposal exposes the entitlement culture that has built up at county hall" continued Neil. Under Labours control a staggering £213 million of debt has been accumulated by the council. "That a councillor, let alone a council leader, would think of this shows why Labour has lost its way in Northumberland."