Labour lashes out over political stunt

THE controlling Labour Group on Warrington Borough Council has accused the Liberal Democrats of a “political stunt” which showed their contempt for local people.
In response to a Labour Group motion at the monthly meeting of the council on the impact of the Coalition Government’s “Bedroom Tax”, the Liberal Democrats proposed a thinly disguised wrecking amendment that was dismissed as out of order by the Mayor, Cllr Steve Wright.
Having heard this ruling, the Liberal Democrats refused to take part in the debate, along with their Tory colleagues.
Labour leader, Cllr Terry O’Neill (pictured right) said: “At a time when the policies of this Tory/Lib Dem Government are having a massive impact on the people of Warrington, particularly the vulnerable and the disabled, the council opposition has refused to stand up for them by engaging in a proper debate.
“The ‘Bedroom Tax’ is a vindictive and spiteful piece of legislation that will penalise social housing tenants for perceived under-occupancy of their homes, all at a time when the Government is handing massive tax breaks to millionaires. I am stunned that they didn’t participate in the motion debate – especially as this policy affects hundreds of households in the wards that they represent.”
The motion was proposed by Cllr David Keane who told the council that more than 2,000 homes would be affected by the introduction of “Bedroom Tax” in Warrington.
It was seconded by Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, who outlined cases of residents in her own ward that were now facing cuts of more than £800 a year. A number of other Labour councillors joined in the debate, providing compelling arguments against the Government’s policy.
But at the end of the debate the Liberal Democrats refused to speak to register their vote.
Cllr O’Neill added: “Refusing to even record a vote was the final insult to the people of Warrington. It was the behaviour of petulant children and nothing short of contempt for the council.
“People are facing up to the grim reality of these cuts and they know who is ultimately responsible for them. Labour is committed to defending vulnerable residents in Warrington – not for staging political stunts in the council chamber.”
But angry Liberal Democrats say they refused to take part after the Mayor refused to allow them to debate an amendment they put forward.
Cllr Bob Barr, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group said, “It is very regrettable that at his last meeting in the chair, the Mayor refused to allow our amended motion to be debated. It would have given all parties in the Chamber the opportunity to call on the government to ensure that vulnerable tenants in Warrington are protected from the government’s proposed changes in benefit. We believe the Mayor was acting in a party political way, which is not appropriate for someone in that role.
“Our amendment pointed out the cost of housing benefit has doubled in the last decade to a current figure of around £23 billion. This costs about £1000 a year for each basic rate taxpayer. This is not sustainable. 1.8 million households are on the waiting list for social housing in England many of whom are in overcrowded or unsuitable accommodation. Many people currently under-occupying social housing are not vulnerable and could move to a smaller property where this is available. Others will be able to cope without the subsidy they currently receive. After all, private renters are not allowed to claim housing benefit to cover the cost of a spare room.
Lib Dem Group Leader Cllr Ian Marks (pictured left) added, “Labour speakers tugged at our heartstrings with a series of speeches about vulnerable tenants. We completely agree with them there are difficulties and we are pleased that the government is listening and making concessions even at this late stage. The Labour Party does not have a monopoly of concern about people in the town and in particular the needs of the disabled and carers. We are pleased the Government has said it will be monitoring the effects of these changes and make further alterations if there are unexpected consequences.
“But we must never forget that it was the Labour Party that got us into this financial mess in the first place and let down those desperately needing housing. We hear constant criticism from them about what the Government is doing but they never tell us what they would do to put things right.”