0% Rise in Council Tax but don't take away our Free Lunches!

4.00.00pm GMT Wed 17th Feb 2010

Somerset residents will be shocked to learn that the 'pain' the Tories claim everyone must share through this recession, doesn't extend to them giving up their free lunches.

At today's Full Council meeting county councillors were asked to approve independent proposals for an increase in allowances but the Tories who were so vocal about the 0% increase in council tax, voted to keep their free lunch!

The Liberal Democrats put forward an amendment suggesting a 5% cut in allowances and scrapping the councillors' meal allowance.

Residents will be disappointed to learn that Tory councillors voted against the proposal, so everything stays in place at least until the next review.

Jill Shortland, Leader of the Opposition said:

"At a time when MPs' allowances are under such scrutiny and the public have a distaste for costly privileges, I am shocked that the Conservatives refused to vote with us. Our staff have to bring in their lunch or buy it, so why shouldn't councillors do the same?"