In an article published by The Times on Friday, Stirling Tory Council leader Neil Benny hypocritically attacked above inflation Council Tax rises, only days after voting with the Labour minority “Administration” for a near 9% rise in Council Tax at Stirling Council, 2% higher than the local SNP proposal. Cllr Benny then went on to blame these costs on over-paid Council staff, the impact of unhealthy people on care provision and Scottish Government attempts to retain teacher numbers, while also denigrating aspirations for improving the minimum wage. Impressive brass neck from someone who, as a well-paid senior part-time Councillor is only required to attend one meeting in any 6 month period.
Cllr Gerry McLaughlan, SNP Finance spokesman responded “In his article Cllr Benny makes much of his 18 years as a Councillor. His recent achievements appear to revolve around delaying reforms in Waste Services for two years, costing Stirling’s tax-payers an extra £500,000 a year, a failed plan to move the Council offices into a city centre retail unit resulting in £470,000 in wasted Consultants fees and last week his part in approving the imposition of a Council Tax £1.1m higher than the opposition SNP proposal.”
Cllr Gene Maxwell, SNP Finance Deputy said “Punching down at those on minimum wage and the sick is despicable, while ignoring the impact of their decision to inflict an excessive Council Tax rise and also raid reserves to fund day to day expenditure just shows how financially inept the Stirling Tories are. Our Budget proposal would have made better use of existing resources, delivered lower fees for Council services and looked to improve the local economy, it’s a real shame these proposals were rejected by Labour and Tory Councillors voting in lock-step and shows just how little regard they have for their constituents.”