Ludlow councillor ‘should resign’ over payment call
Tuesday 18th January 2011, 3:46PM GMT.
Calls have been made for a town councillor in a south Shropshire town to resign – after she claimed she and her colleagues should be paid for their work.
Jennifer Leyton-Purrier, who represents the Gallows Bank ward on Ludlow Town Council, had suggested town councillors should receive allowances for work carried out for the local authority.
The idea was heavily criticised by residents and councillors at last night’s meeting of Ludlow Town Council’s policy and finance committee.
John Hollick, of Steventon New Road, said he was “disgusted” by the idea of councillors claiming allowances.
And fellow Ludlow resident Kim Burge said she believed the councillor should resign if she was not prepared to carry out her duties without payment.
She said it was “inappropriate” to ask for money after taking on the post as a voluntary position.
But Councillor Leyton-Purrier said today she was standing by her claim and would definitely not be resigning.
She said: “I was quite shocked to find I was not entitled to an allowances when I submitted a claim — it’s not about money but what people should be entitled to for the work they do.
“If anything this has made me feel stronger about this and I certainly don’t think it’s a matter to resign over.”
Committee members un-animously backed a proposal by committee chairman Susan McCormack to retain the system which sees town mayor John Aitken receive an allowance and councillors allowed to claim for travelling expenses.
A final decision will be made at Ludlow Town Council’s meeting on January 31.
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Bit of an over reaction calling for her resignation – whilst the timing wasn’t great given the current economic climate I think it is a debate that must be had at some point. We are expecting more and more from our local councillors and this must be recognised!
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Whether anyone agrees with the suggestion or not, you can’t deny that it’s fear of reactions such as this which makes people decide to keep their mouths shut instead of voicing their ideas and inviting debate. Ultimately, it stifles change.
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