GREEDY Councillors Vote to Increase their own Pay!

10.03.15pm GMT Fri 16th Jan 2009

Swindon residents have expressed shock and outrage as Councillors opted to increase their pay, yet again.

Every single Conservative and Labour Councillor on Swindon Borough Council voted to increase their basic allowance of already over £7000pa, in spite of an amendment tabled by Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Stan Pajak to reject the increase.

Cllr Pajak said, "Times are hard and here is an opportunity to lead by example. Although this may not have a great effect it shows people that we are doing something."

The self-assured vote came as Age Concern, Swindon, announced it was closing its doors due to financial problems and Swindon's Honda plant announced an addition two months closure this year because of the economic downturn.

Cllr Dave Wood (Eastcott), said "I was shocked to see both Conservative and Labour Councillors unanimously voting to 'feather their own nests'. This sends out the message that while times are hard for other people 'we're OK - and we'll increase your Council Tax too in a few weeks!'"

Dave added, "The Council claims it cannot afford to keep Old Town Library open, yet it doesn't think twice at increasing the over-inflated £689k it spends on Councillors!"

Related Link:

Swindon Advertiser article.