A decision to spend an additional £20,000 of council taxpayers’ money on two new executive roles has drawn questions from Wokingham borough council’s Labour group, saying the move sends the wrong message to residents during a time of financial strain.
At the annual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council on May 22, Liberal Democrat leader of the council, Cllr Stephen Conway, announced the creation of two new executive positions.
Each new post comes with a £10,000 Special Responsibility Allowance, in addition to the £7,784 basic allowance available to all councillors.
An entirely new role of community safety and public protection has been created, and this will go to Cllr Louise Timlin. Previously, her role was part of the resident services portfolio.
The role of planning, which had previously been in the portfolio of council leader Stephen Conway, will now be looked after by fellow Twyford, Ruscombe and Hurst councillor Martin Alder.
At the start of his speech introducing the new Executive members, Stephen Conway told the council chamber: “No one can deny that Wokingham Borough Council faces substantial financial challenges”.
Councillor Rachel Burgess, the leader of the Labour group, said she was very surprised at the decision to introduce two additional roles, with associated allowances, in such difficult financial times.
“Across the meeting, Liberal Democrats repeatedly claimed there is no money,” she said.
“Yet here they are spending an extra £20,000 on expanding their Executive.
“There was no mention of the associated costs – budget implications were not included in the papers presented to councillors.
“I would like to know what value-for-money analysis has been done in creating these roles.
“Residents deserve assurance that this additional spending will deliver meaningful, measurable benefits.
“Just moments before announcing these roles, Cllr Conway repeated claims of financial hardship, and misrepresented the increased support for local government provided by the new Labour government this year.
“This administration frequently talks about transparent leadership and partnership working, yet appears ready to spend when it suits them.”
Reiterating his comment at the meeting, Cllr Conway told Wokingham Today:” The executive was unusually small last year at eight members.
“It was never intended that I would continue to have planning in my already extensive portfolio – it was always envisaged as a temporary position, caused by the need to pilot the local plan through council and the inspectors’ examination after Lindsay Ferris, the former executive member for planning, stood down in the 2024 elections.
“I added it to my already considerable responsibilities of affordable housing and partnerships, but on the understanding that we would appoint a new executive member for planning as soon as that was practicable.
“It now is, and I’m pleased that Martin Alder, a very able colleague, is prepared to take on this demanding portfolio.
“The other new post reflects the importance we attach to community safety and public protection, including tackling antisocial behaviour, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls.
“These responsibilities were formerly attached to the already substantial portfolio of the executive member for climate emergency and the environment.
“It makes good sense to give community safety and public protection greater prominence by making them into a new portfolio.
“I’m surprised that the Labour group disagrees. I thought Labour members shared my view that we need a sharper focus on combatting antisocial behaviour, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls.
“I am pleased that someone of Lou Timlin’s ability is available to fill this new role and know that she will do an excellent job.”
