Jobs for the boys claim

THE Liberal Democrats have accused Labour bosses at Warrington Town Hall of fudging a re-jig of the council’s committee structure and creating “jobs for the boys.”
Cllr Ian Marks, leader of the Lib Dem group, claims it will result in three quarters of Labour councillors receiving extra payments.
Cllr Marks said the previous Labour Government forced all major councils to move to a cabinet style structure meaning that most of their decisions were in the hands of a few elite councillors.
The Coalition Government changed this and now allows councils to revert to a committee system if they so wish.
Cllr Marks said: “When Labour first proposed a review of the council’s decision making structure, we welcomed it.
“It appeared to offer more opportunities for backbenchers from the ruling group and opposition councillors to make a contribution to the running of the council.
“I am now concerned that what is being put forward is a watered down version of the original proposal. It is a hybrid of an executive board or cabinet system and a committee system – with the risk it will fall between the two.
“Several years ago we used to have a split scrutiny and policy system which didn’t work very well.
“I challenge Labour to explain how their new system of policy committees and a scrutiny committee will be better.
“There is the vexed question of special responsibility allowances. There is a risk that it will be ‘jobs for the boys’ with three-quarters of the Labour councillors getting an extra payment.
“The opportunity should be taken, in the current economic climate, of making savings, not being cost neutral.”
Cllr Marks said some councils, such as the London borough of Sutton, had gone back to a full decision making committee system, involving all councillors.
He added: “Their leader says it saves money, is more democratic and achieves better outcomes.
“I urge the administration here in Warrington to be bold and go for one too – not a fudged compromise.”