Councillor calls for cuts

A Southport councillor is calling for the Group Leaders’ Allowances on Sefton Council to be scrapped to support the local community. This proposal has been put forward by Cllr David Barton of the Dukes Ward.

Councillor Barton told OTS News “I believe that during times of austerity, if we are to make cutbacks then all levels of the Local Authority should make sacrifices.

“This has to include those at the top if we are to retain the respect and sincerity of the wider public, including those who have or may even be made redundant in light of budgetary measures being proposed.

“If calls are to be made for cutbacks then this should be done properly as seen elsewhere across the Untied Kingdom where Group Leaders’ Allowances have already been eradicated to support their local communities.

“In Southport this allowance can amount to £4,260 a year which could help retain the services of councillors in key areas, who after all are the key point of contact for residents and businesses who have problems or want to access council services.

“I fail to see how continuing to pay such a high amount can be justified.

“By the same token should Councillor numbers decrease I would kindly request that a proportion of this money be reinvested into Social Care across the board and any restorative costs of civic assets owned by the Council, such as the former Manhattans Club in Southport which may in turn bring further investment into the Sefton Borough that we live and work in.”