Labour's audacity reached new heights as they tabled a motion at the recent Trafford Council meeting, unabashedly demanding additional funding from the government. This motion, ostensibly advocating for fairer funding for Trafford, garnered support from the majority of councillors. However, it's worth noting that these same councillors, including the Lib Dems and Greens, previously argued that a 40% pay increase wasn't sufficient, revealing a certain level of inconsistency.
In contrast to these elected officials seeking financial increments, numerous amazing and dedicated individuals within our community volunteer their time for civic duties, running clubs and scouts, assisting in schools, Libraries, and parks etc, giving their time and contributing without any expectation of monetary compensation, let alone a salary boost. From our perspective, Labour appears to have misjudged this matter, and we find it challenging to endorse their plea for more government funds, fearing it might end up in their pockets.
For Labour to regain trust, they must demonstrate fiscal responsibility, especially given their six years of consecutive council tax hikes. Councillor Hartley pointed out that the council tax should have been raised earlier, suggesting this potentially would have generated an additional £15 million. Labour seems to forget it is the very people who vote for them who they are putting the squeeze on for more cash and those people are seeing nothing for all the money they are paying, Labour must assure us and taxpayers in the borough that their money will not be squandered on another 40 % hike in their allowances.
Council leader Cllr Tom Ross stated, "We call on the government to review the local government funding system which affects councils of all political backgrounds." While this motion contends that Trafford is one of many councils grappling to maintain current services, it raises concerns about the accountability of the requested funds.
In summary, while the motion ostensibly advocates for fairer funding, it is met with scepticism due to past actions and the need for Labour to prove their fiscal responsibility before making further demands on taxpayers.
