Quote:
Originally Posted by shakermaker
Page 7 of this week's Accrington Observer reports that Hyndburn's 36 councillors shared a total of £291,953 between them in allowances.
The council leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe was the highest claimer with £30,952. Councillor Malcolm Pritchard claimed £1 of his basic allowance.
I really feel sorry for Councillor Britcliffe, what with having over 30,000 times the tasks of Councillor Pritchard. It's no wonder the former has no time to visit this forum.
Why do we need so many councillors for such a small area, and why do they each need to claim so much money in allowances?
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Cllr Britcliffe's main role is trying to get his face in the paper and that takes up around 168 hours per week.
To be serious about how many councillors we need, we're actually spread pretty thin. Generally, there is one councillor for every 1,000 households which is a reduction from what we've had in the past. There used to be 47 councillors but this was cropped several years ago to 35.
Rishton has three ward councillors but it isn't a case of one councillor looking after 1,000 homes, we're all responsible for all 3,300 households therefore if two of us happen to find ourselves saddled with a lame duck it becomes bloody hard work.
I'm fortunate to have Harry Grayson as my right hand man because we work very well in tandem and are beginning to get things done that have needed attention for years.