Gordon Hook

Liberal Democrat District Councillor for Buckland and Milber Learn more

Teignbridge Council:Taking From The Poor.

by admin on 21 November, 2016

A proposal came to Teignbridge Councils Overview and Scrutiny Committee this morning entitled “Council Tax Reduction Scheme”. (the full agenda can be seen on line) The proposal from the Conservative administration at Teignbridge is to reduce the Council Tax benefits the poorest residents of Teignbridge can claim. I spoke at some length and was heavily critical of the proposals, which I believe are nothing short of obscene.
If the scheme is implemented it will “save” the council an unknown figure, but thought to be about £40,000. The amounts per family are relatively small, but if you are living on…or below…the bread line, even small amount of reduced help will cause added financial pressures and stress.
I did not go into politics to make life harder for people; on the contrary in my book we should all strive to help anyone in need at every opportunity.
Over the last 12 months Teignbridge has spent £150.000 on subsidizing a Radio 1 pop concert; £125,000 on refurbishing the council chamber ( incidentally with a new public address system which isn’t working!!) and awarded the CEO an annual pay rise of £15,000….but now proposes to reduce benefit payments to the poorest in our communities. These are not my priorities nor those of my Lib Dem colleagues. The proposals are inhuman and must be reviewed.It’s Robin Hood in reverse!
At the end of the debate it was agreed to ask the Executive ( who make all decisions) to delay for a year while a Working Group look more closely at the proposals and consequences.

   2 Comments

2 Responses

  1. Chris coyle-moore says:

    We argued Gordon at least you won a delay perhaps public opinion will prompt a rethink if we can get the public to voice their opinion

    • jackiebrodie says:

      If anyone did voice an opinion no one listened….the Conservative Executive voted to cut the benefits available to the poorest. It came as no surprise. What it means, apparently, is that the officers will now find it easier to administer the scheme….not surprising really as there will be rather less to administer. Shameful.

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