Lib Dems have snubbed calls to give residents a say on South Cambridgeshire District Council’s 4-day week scheme.
The Lib Dem-run council has been working a 4-day week for over two years – with taxpayers footing the bill of 5 days pay for 4 days work.
Conservative councillors called for a referendum on the 4-day week in their alternative budget proposals to give residents a real say on whether they are happy to pay for it.
But in a council meeting last week, Cllr Bridget Smith (Lib Dem Leader of the Council) claimed a referendum would be “meaningless”.
Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Opposition at South Cambridgeshire District Council, expressed her concern over such dismissive remarks:
“A referendum is only meaningless if the administration refuses to listen to residents. It is ironic for a party with ‘democrat’ in their name to suggest that a democratic vote is ‘meaningless’. Ignoring a referendum result flies in the face of what democracy is all about.
“The administration’s claims that a referendum would not be useful for the council are disappointing. This demonstrates a complete contempt for the feelings and pockets of residents shelling out 37 hours pay for 32 hours work – all when the Lib Dems are planning to increase council tax by the maximum amount yet again.”
