UNTIL I read that councillors are to have their pensions scrapped "Scrapping our pension is a blow to democracy" (March 14), I did not know they enjoyed such a perk.
At the risk of being accused of sour grapes, when I served on the old Derby Borough Council in the 70s, I did not get thousands of pounds in allowances and very little in expenses. I think I got my bus fare to meetings paid.
And "serve" is the operative word here.
Councillor Sarah Russell bemoans the fact that tax-payer-funded pensions are to be scrapped from April 1, saying it is unfair and would put people off standing for election.
Rubbish! There was never any shortage of public-spirited citizens wanting to stand for the council before allowances and pensions were introduced. Most of them – on all sides of the political spectrum – sought to do it in a sense of community spirit and public service.
Unfortunately, we now have well-paid representatives making a career of council work instead of getting a proper job. And is our local authority more efficiently run by councillors with highfalutin titles and "cabinet" positions?
In a word..!
John Orgill
