In December 2016, all three Spotland and Falinge Labour councillors voted to award themselves an extra £3000 in allowances each year. They also voted for their leader to receive £900 a week. This was done with one week's notice given to the public. Councillors knew that a rise was on the cards for months. They also knew that there would not be a Local Election until May 2018 - well into the future when they hoped it would not be an election issue.

 

This wasn't simply a case of whether or not an increase was necessary - it showed absolute contempt for voters. It's this arrogance that shapes the way our council operates. Hundreds of committee meetings have been held in which the press and public have been excluded. This is a deliberate policy to ensure contentious decisions can be made with the minimum of opposition and scrutiny.

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Even stolen anti-fraud electoral documentation, isn't above the self-interest of councillors and senior council employees (see link above)

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It's all part of the self-preservation culture of local tribal politics - so why not consider voting for an independent candidate who is free from all the nonsense of so-called party loyalty?

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