£50 Christmas bonus for all Wellington Town Council staff attacked

Wellington Town Council's policy and resources committee voted to hand out the gift to all its employees, from clerk Karen Roper and her deputies right down to the people who clean the toilets.

But it was only pushed through by the casting vote of the chairman of the committee, Councillor Anthony Lowe.

And at a full meeting of Wellington Town Council at the civic offices, Councillor Miles Hosken rose to query whether it was suitable for higher-paid members of staff in times of austerity.

"I have had to be corrected on this," he said.

"My assumption was that this was only paid to the toilet attendants and people like that.

"It is only tonight I have found out that it also goes to the clerk, and the clerk's deputy, and the clerk's deputy's deputy.

"In austerity a lot of people are going to be worried and concerned about the public purse.

"My concern is this - it's a bit like going to a restaurant and leaving a tip.

"Is it really necessary on top of the salaries that these people get for their normal work?

"A good number of councillors in this room probably don't earn as much as some of the people that work on this council.

"I think it requires in the future a further debate."

Councillor Hosken called for it to be discussed by the policy and resources committee next year, but no decision was taken at the meeting as to whether it would be.

The minutes for the policy and resources committee, handed out at the meeting, said: "The chairman said a Christmas gift of £50 had previously been given to all employees which this year would include toilet attendants.

"Following discussion and a vote, the chairman gave his casting vote in favour of giving all members of staff a gift of £50.

"Councillor Mason Morris asked that her vote against this decision was recorded."