The Conservative group came under fire over their proposal to freeze councillors’ expenses and allowances in a Council meeting held on November 24, at the Civic Centre.
The motion was passed unanimously, but not before Liberal Democrat councillors questioned why the Conservative group had not agreed to this earlier in the year when suggested as an amendment by Liberal Democrats (see minutes page 29 http://www.shepway.gov.uk/webapp/service/cads/doc/council/Minutes%20%20Public/mcoun20090219.doc?download=download)
Cllr Carroll said "In February I moved to that we should freeze allowances. The Conservatives belly-laughed and guffawed.
Leading the first of several allegations that party whipping was the reason for the Conservative's change of heart, cllr Carroll claimed "something else is at work.”
People First cllr Paul Marsh also attacked the Conservative group, saying he could "never remember the Conservative group recommending a pay freeze." Cllr Marsh also said the Conservatives usually vote for increases, and Conservative cllr Rory Love had increased his own remuneration by 600% .
Conservative councillor David Monk denied that any whipping had taken place. Cllr Tilson (Cons) thanked the chamber for so many congratulations, though the Conservative group did not deny or seek to defend their earlier record.
The motion passed.
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