Furious row over plans for staff at West Norfolk council to get pay rise
Some councillors are not happy that everyone at the authority will get a ÂŁ750 cost of living payment - even the most well paid
As workers stood outside protesting against low wages, a furious row broke out at a Norfolk town hall over whether to increase their pay packet.
Frustrations flared between West Norfolk Council members as to whether the proposed pay rise unfairly benefited higher earners, leading to a vote that passed by the narrowest of margins.
It comes as the borough struggles with a recruitment crisis with claims 10pc of vacancies remain unfilled.
Councillors were discussing a report that recommended giving all staff a £1,925 or 5pc pay rise – whatever is the greater – for all of its 500 staff.
A flat rate cost-of-living payment of ÂŁ750 would also be given to all staff.
It is hoped the pay increase will help to recruit staff amid recruitment challenges.
An amendment was put forward by Labour Party’s Charles Joyce, who argued that the £750 payment should be tapered according to pay levels, with that earn between £38,501 and £53,500 to receive a decreasing amount.
Anyone earning over ÂŁ53,500 would receive nothing.
Mr Joyce argued more should be done to support lower earners, saying: “Unless we have a perverse cost of living crisis going on that affects those with the most wages, you are increasing the differential in real terms for the people at the bottom and those at the top.”
After laying out his proposition, Mr Joyce clashed with leader of the council Terry Parrish, shouting “is there a pinhead that Councillor Parrish can dance on?” after Mr Parrish questioned whether the amendment should be considered separately and not together.
The debate continued with a number of councillors arguing that capping the cost of living payment would be an act of disrespect to higher earners while others agreed with Mr Joyce’s views.
Mr Parrish responded to the points raised, arguing that the pay increase and cost of living payment had been agreed after several months of consideration and had been unanimously supported by Unison members.
“If I was looking for a job and saw the news of this debate I’d think I’m not going to that council, they don’t give you the money they agreed to,” he said.
“We have probably harmed the reputation of the council with this debate.
“They expected it, were told they were going to get it but some councillors thought they get too much money and don’t deserve it.
“I think I’ve said enough, I’m tired of it.”
Councillors then voted on whether or not to approve the amendment or dismiss it, with 22 members voting to remove the amendment, 20 voting in support and three abstaining.