Woke council costs taxpayers £3.3 million with controversial four-day work week

Opponents claim taxpayers foot the bill for staff not working

A controversial trial at South Cambs District Council, run by the Liberal Democrats, is costing taxpayers £3.3 million per year. Critics argue that this figure represents the total amount paid to staff who are not working.

Lib Dems defend trial, citing savings in agency fees

Bridget Smith, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, defended the trial, stating that the four-day work week allowed the council to fill staff vacancies, resulting in a savings of £760,000 in agency fees.

Conservatives express concerns over wasted funds

Heather Williams, the leader of the Conservative opposition, expressed concern over the impact of the four-day work week on residents. She stated that £3.3 million would be spent on salary for hours not worked, showing contempt for the majority of residents in South Cambridgeshire.

Cllr Richard Williams, another Conservative council member, added that the reduced work week had affected services like waste collection, which were costing taxpayers more. He called for the trial to be abandoned.

Government demands an end to the trial

Despite the savings claimed by the Liberal Democrats, the government has criticized the council for missing performance targets and demanded an end to the trial.

The council has been asked to comment on the situation.