Would a Turkey vote for Christmas?

AS our American cousins celebrated Thanksgiving this week, Warrington Borough Councillors are set to vote on some key issues on Monday evening – including giving themselves another increase in allowances.

The following week, members of the Labour-run Cabinet will be discussing applying for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the Government to help plug a £90m funding gap over the next four years, while also seeking to to increase Council Tax above the 5% limit.
As you can imagine, this is going down like a lead balloon on local social media channels.
All credit to Independent Cllr. Stuart Mann, saying he will once again vote against the increase, while also insisting that council officers only pay him the amount he received when first elected to the borough council. I suspect there may be a few more who vote against the increase this time, realising many of their constituents are facing unprecedented hardship as we approach the season of goodwill.
Some elected members will argue they need compensating for their time (which they already are), but being elected to serve the people should never be perceived as a money-making venture. Yes, there should be a level of allowance, so anyone can have the chance of becoming an elected member, but not before you can afford to do it. As elected members, come up with the solutions and then be rewarded.
There are literally hundreds of people in this town who give up their time freely to support local charities. While Warrington Borough Council isn’t a charity, it is seeking financial aid from the Government. Both organisations are paid for by the people through our taxes, which are currently being squeezed at all levels. In the real business world, we have to cut our cloth accordingly, and that includes when it comes to paying ourselves. I am sure, like me, there will be plenty of business owners around the country who, in some months, can’t afford to take a salary, while still paying their taxes.
As Warrington Borough Council say, they are facing “unprecedented times,” well so are their local residents and local business community.
Also on Monday evening, residents of Woolston will be rallying outside the town hall, protesting about the possible closure of the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, due to an estimated £3m repair bill.
Local campaigners will be pleading with the council to keep the facility open, a facility which provides health and leisure facilities.
For years many people have been warning Warrington Borough Council of the impending financial doom – but until recently, this fell on deaf ears. Warrington is by no means alone in this situation and has many difficult decisions to make. But members of the council, as well as being here to represent their constituents, also have a duty of care and hopefully a conscience.
So as councillors prepare to vote on some key decisions, all I ask is “Would a Turkey vote for Christmas?”
The next elections aren’t until May 2028 but I don’t think the people will forget some of these key issues and decisions for a long time!

Council faces “unprecedented financial challenge” as Cabinet prepares for critical discussion