Reform UK-led Sunderland Council accused of being ‘continuity Labour’ as they increase taxpayer cash being given to councillors

Responding to the announcement today (22 May) from the Reform UK administration running Sunderland City Council that they are increasing the amount of taxpayer cash used on Special Responsibility Allowances for new positions of ‘Deputy Cabinet Members’, Lib Dem councillor and Leader of the Opposition on Sunderland Council Paul Edgeworth said:

“Local people will be shocked that despite promises of getting wasteful spending under control, the first thing a Reform UK Council has done is to act like continuity Labour by increasing the amount of taxpayer cash they are giving themselves.

“People in Sunderland wanted to an end to Labour’s ‘jobs for the boys’ culture where taxpayers’ money was used to give ruling councillors plum jobs and extra cash to try and keep them in line. Instead it seems we are getting more of the same, with Labour and Reform in Sunderland like two peas in a pod.

“Only the Liberal Democrats are pushing to slash councillors’ expenses, allowances, perks and freebies with our fully costed plan to save £194,562 each and every year by cutting cash given to councillors and axing non-jobs.”