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Telegraph
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
‘Papier mâché' animal statues cost taxpayer £43k
A civic society has been criticised for spending £43,000 of taxpayers' money on statues of cows and sheep which look as if they were 'made of papier mâché '. The sculptures of Lincoln Red cattle and Lincoln Longwool sheep were unveiled at an event last weekend to celebrate the agricultural heritage of Spalding, in Lincolnshire. Some residents have branded the 'bizarre' statues a 'waste of public money' which would have been better spent on public services. They were funded by a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated by the Government, then distributed by the local authority. Father-of-one Frank Caswell, 48, who has lived in the town his whole life, said: 'They are just a bit pointless and look made from papier mâché. 'There are far better things the council could be allocating money towards as the town is becoming run down. 'We've got crumbling roads and potholes that need fixing, or invest it into our schools or NHS. 'And to top it off, they just don't look very good – I just find them a little bizarre.' Benjamin Elks, grassroots development officer at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are fed up seeing their hard-earned money spent on vanity projects while essential services are under pressure. 'Dropping £43,000 on stone sheep and cattle might be cute for selfies, but it's no comfort to residents dealing with potholes and council tax hikes. 'Instead of carving up public funds for pet projects, local leaders should focus on fixing what really matters.' Spalding and District Civic Society introduced the sculptures by British sculptor Graeme Mitcheson in the hope they would 'bring history to life'. However, some residents took to social media to point out that it was the town that needed life breathing back into it. David Barfoot said on Facebook: 'It still results in money being wasted, use it where it's more required. Walk through the centre of the town, the place is run down. 'Make rates or rates cheaper for the people who are trying to run businesses in a rundown centre. I am just used to being disappointed in the way South Holland (the district around Spalding nicknamed The Forgotten County) is being run, from top to bottom.' Julie Pickering added: 'As a local born and bred I totally appreciate Spalding's market town history, however they will be vandalised and they look like they've just been dumped in town. No thought has gone into this. A total waste of money.' Greg Weedon posted: 'Maybe this money should be spent on policing or education or other things lacking in Spalding. I'm sure the funds for this vanity project by our great and good would be far better if used for the good of the people, not some stupid stone sheep.' Others were more positive, with Peter Norris writing: 'Why are the people of Spalding so negative? I love going to towns that have different things to see, and it represents the town's history. Personally I love them.' Sarah Horne said: 'I think they're super cute. A nice little addition to brighten the town up a bit. There are some real misery guts on Facebook, not happy unless they're complaining.' In a statement, John Bland, chair of Spalding and District Civic Society, said: 'The two new artworks have been strategically placed in streets traditionally used for animal sales – Sheep Market for sheep, New Road for cattle. 'Further commissions recalling the sale of horses, pigs, poultry and dairy produce are planned. The aim is to revitalise the historic market area of the town and highlight South Holland's significant contribution to the nation's food supply. 'By reintroducing representations of sheep, cattle and poultry into the town centre through sculptures and other artwork, the initiative not only aims to enhance the town and let newcomers know about its heritage but also to attract visitors, potentially boosting local tourism and footfall. 'Whilst the project received £43,000 from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, over £9,000 ended up going back to the Government in VAT. 'This is because as a registered charity the Society could not reclaim the VAT element. In addition, it is likely that many of those who have benefited from the contracts awarded will pay income tax and National Insurance Contributions. 'The Society received generous private donations exceeding £40,000, so the actual amount of public money spent on the project was less than half of the overall cost. 'The Society therefore feels that the delivery of these striking sculptures that are expected to last 100 years or more actually represents excellent value for public money.'
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Papier mâché' animal statues cost taxpayer £43k
A civic society has been criticised for spending £43,000 of taxpayers' money on statues of cows and sheep which look as if they were 'made of papier mâché'. The sculptures of Lincoln Red cattle and Lincoln Longwool sheep were unveiled at an event last weekend to celebrate the agricultural heritage of Spalding, in Lincolnshire. Some residents have branded the 'bizarre' statues a 'waste of public money' which would have been better spent on public services. They were funded by a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, allocated by the Government, then distributed by the local authority. Father-of-one Frank Caswell, 48, who has lived in the town his whole life, said: 'They are just a bit pointless and look made from papier mâché. 'There are far better things the council could be allocating money towards as the town is becoming run down. 'We've got crumbling roads and potholes that need fixing, or invest it into our schools or NHS. 'And to top it off, they just don't look very good – I just find them a little bizarre.' Benjamin Elks, grassroots development officer at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Taxpayers are fed up seeing their hard-earned money spent on vanity projects while essential services are under pressure. 'Dropping £43,000 on stone sheep and cattle might be cute for selfies, but it's no comfort to residents dealing with potholes and council tax hikes. 'Instead of carving up public funds for pet projects, local leaders should focus on fixing what really matters.' Spalding and District Civic Society introduced the sculptures by British sculptor Graeme Mitcheson in the hope they would 'bring history to life'. However, some residents took to social media to point out that it was the town that needed life breathing back into it. David Barfoot said on Facebook: 'It still results in money being wasted, use it where it's more required. Walk through the centre of the town, the place is run down. 'Make rates or rates cheaper for the people who are trying to run businesses in a rundown centre. I am just used to being disappointed in the way South Holland (the district around Spalding nicknamed The Forgotten County) is being run, from top to bottom.' Julie Pickering added: 'As a local born and bred I totally appreciate Spalding's market town history, however they will be vandalised and they look like they've just been dumped in town. No thought has gone into this. A total waste of money.' Greg Weedon posted: 'Maybe this money should be spent on policing or education or other things lacking in Spalding. I'm sure the funds for this vanity project by our great and good would be far better if used for the good of the people, not some stupid stone sheep.' Others were more positive, with Peter Norris writing: 'Why are the people of Spalding so negative? I love going to towns that have different things to see, and it represents the town's history. Personally I love them.' Sarah Horne said: 'I think they're super cute. A nice little addition to brighten the town up a bit. There are some real misery guts on Facebook, not happy unless they're complaining.' In a statement, John Bland, chair of Spalding and District Civic Society, said: 'The two new artworks have been strategically placed in streets traditionally used for animal sales – Sheep Market for sheep, New Road for cattle. 'Further commissions recalling the sale of horses, pigs, poultry and dairy produce are planned. The aim is to revitalise the historic market area of the town and highlight South Holland's significant contribution to the nation's food supply. 'By reintroducing representations of sheep, cattle and poultry into the town centre through sculptures and other artwork, the initiative not only aims to enhance the town and let newcomers know about its heritage but also to attract visitors, potentially boosting local tourism and footfall. 'Whilst the project received £43,000 from the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, over £9,000 ended up going back to the Government in VAT. 'This is because as a registered charity the Society could not reclaim the VAT element. In addition, it is likely that many of those who have benefited from the contracts awarded will pay income tax and National Insurance Contributions. 'The Society received generous private donations exceeding £40,000, so the actual amount of public money spent on the project was less than half of the overall cost. 'The Society therefore feels that the delivery of these striking sculptures that are expected to last 100 years or more actually represents excellent value for public money.' South Holland District Council was approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Green council ditches plan to collect black bins once a month
A Green Party council has ditched plans to collect residents' black bins in Bristol only once a month following a backlash. Bristol council launched a six-week consultation, which included the option of switching from bin collections every two weeks to monthly in order to save more than £2 million a year and boost recycling rates. Both Labour and the Conservatives had proposed motions calling on the council to rule out switching to four-weekly bin collections, and more than 12,000 people signed a petition opposing the plan. Benjamin Elks, the grassroots development manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Bristolians are sick to the back teeth of their council's hare-brained schemes. 'Residents shouldn't have to put up with overflowing bins and filthy streets just because the council is more interested in virtue-signalling than doing its job.' Following the backlash, the Green Party administration announced it would not be supporting the move. Martin Fodor, a Green councillor who chairs the cross-party environment and sustainability committee, said: 'The four-weekly option was put in the consultation as an outlier for modelling purposes, and I made clear it was always unlikely to go ahead. 'And so based on what we've heard and the strength of feeling that this has generated across the city, the Greens will not be supporting any proposals put forward to move to four-weekly collections at this time. 'The full results of the consultation will be presented to a cross-party group to decide on any changes to our waste and recycling services. 'I would like to thank everyone who made the time to make their voice heard. The Greens aim to be as collaborative and transparent in our decision making as possible. 'While other parties consult on pre-made decisions, the views of Bristol will always be taken into account under this administration.' The city's recycling rate is at around 45 per cent, and the Green Party has previously pledged to increase it. Last year, the recycling collected earned the council £4.5 million in revenue, while disposing of it would have cost the city £8.3 million to process. Cllr James Crawford, who also sits on the environment and sustainability committee, said: 'There are many changes that we need to make as a city to improve our recycling rate. 'I look forward to seeing the full results of the consultation and working cross-party on what measures we can take to improve recycling for Bristol.' A number of authorities have switched to monthly collections, including Fife council and Conwy County borough council.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cash-strapped Lib Dem council to pay new boss more than Prime Minister
A Liberal Democrat-run council will pay its new chief executive more than the Prime Minister despite cutting 300 jobs. The next head of cash-strapped Dorset Council will be paid up to £200,000 – £34,000 more than the £166,000 earned by Sir Keir Starmer. The successful candidate will also receive a £10,500 'golden hello' despite the local authority being set to lay off 6 per cent of its employees to reduce its wage bill by £12.5 million. From April, locals will also face a 5 per cent increase in their council tax. Benjamin Elks, grassroots campaign manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: 'Local taxpayers footing the bill for telephone number salaries will be demanding immediate results. 'Council top brass have been receiving big money while paring back essential services like bin collections, but don't seem to be shy in coming back to taxpayers for ever more council tax. 'This time around, local taxpayers will be keeping an eye out for the new boss cutting wasteful spending and keeping council tax low.' The job advert describes the council as being 'committed to innovation, inclusivity, and delivering meaningful impact for residents, businesses and the environment'. As well as a basic salary of between £185,000 to £200,000, the successful candidate will receive £8,000 tax-free to pay for their move and £2,500 upon starting the job. There is also the option of getting support with a mortgage or rent for two years. That is despite the authority being reported to have an £13.2 million overspend in the first six months of this financial year. Unison, the union, has warned that 250 to 300 jobs will be lost over the next five years due to proposed spending cuts, with surviving staff from the 4,700-strong workforce being forced into lower pay grades. The average salary earned by council chief executives is £173,000, according to the Local Government Chronicle. Cllr Nick Ireland, the council's leader, defended the salary as a 'competitive salary' that was designed to 'attract the right person'. 'Our senior leadership salaries are benchmarked against other unitary councils of a similar size, both locally and nationally, and we are offering a competitive salary for the role of chief executive to ensure we attract the right person to lead our council,' he said. 'We have been transparent about our financial pressures and must find ways to deliver the services that our residents value most in a way that is fit for the future.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Four million people face huge council tax rises
More than four million people face huge council tax rises after eight bankrupt town halls asked for permission to raise bills by a larger amount than is normally allowed by law. In one district, household bills will increase by 25 per cent—the largest increase in England for two decades. Another seven councils have proposed huge rises of between 10 and 15 per cent from April. Under normal rules, local authorities can raise council tax by up to five per cent unless taxpayers approve a larger increase in a referendum. Struggling councils who are at risk of effective bankruptcy can apply for higher rises, which would be signed off by Angela Rayner in her role as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. Some 4.4 million residents in eight local authorities are set to suffer this fate, according to an audit by the Daily Mail. Benjamin Elks, from the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group, told the newspaper: 'Local taxpayers are fed up with having to pick up the tab for reckless councils. 'As hard-working households across the country tighten their belts, local authorities are refusing to rein in their out-of-control spending, squandering cash on pointless pet projects. 'It's high time town halls focused on delivering core services efficiently, not asking local residents to keep funding their dangerous addiction to spending.' The 154,000 residents of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in Berkshire, are facing the largest council tax rise in the country - five times the usual maximum, adding £451 to the average cost. The Liberal Democrat-run local authority is looking to force through a 25 per cent increase, which would be the largest for two decades in England if ultimately approved by ministers. Birmingham is considering raising council tax by 10 per cent for a second consecutive year. If the rise goes ahead then Band D Council Tax payers in England's second city will see their bills rise by a combined £400 over two years. Labour-run Bradford council, which was bailed out by the government to the tune of £220 million last year and is currently the UK City of Culture, has also asked to increase the levy by up to 15 per cent from April for its 560,000 residents, putting around £170 on the average bill. In December, Lib Dem-led North Somerset Council also proposed the same increase, putting it by an average of £256 a year, as well as asking its 215,000 residents if they would donate £1,000 to help fill the authority's multi-million funding gap. Hampshire County Council has asked ministers for permission to hike council tax by 15 per cent in 2025/26, adding £230 to the bill of a Band D property. Huge rises are also being planned by the London borough of Newham, the Labour and independent coalition of Cheshire East and Tory-run Slough, which has already hiked by more than 5 per cent for the last two years. A spokesman for the Local Government Association said: 'Many councils have faced the tough choice about whether to increase bills to bring in desperately needed funding to provide services at a time when they are acutely aware of the significant burden that could place on some households. 'However, while council tax is an important funding stream, the significant financial pressures facing local services cannot be met by council tax income alone. It also raises different amounts in different parts of the country - unrelated to need. 'Councils need a significant change in our funding to stabilise local government finances so we can deliver the services local people want to see.' A spokesman for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: 'No decisions have been made on council tax increases and we will only consider agreeing to requests for rises above 5 per cent in exceptional circumstances, in line with the previous government's position. 'Councils are ultimately responsible for setting their own council tax, and we will put taxpayers at the forefront of any decision.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
