As the ‘Shop Local’ campaign comes to a close, a freedom of information (FOI) request by the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) has revealed the £1.5 million total cost of the scheme.
The expenditure includes almost £125,000 to the card service operator. The scheme has come under fire from residents after it was uncovered that the cards, which allow residents to spend up to £25 in the county, could be used at national chain supermarkets. The TPA’s findings come after the council has been under fire for a number of spending decisions.
With Herefordians facing council tax bill hikes of 3 per cent from Friday, which will see the average band D property increase by almost £50, the TaxPayers’ Alliance are calling on the council to put a stop to wasteful projects, focus on cutting council tax, and prioritise spending on key services.
Herefordshire Council has recently been criticised for spending almost £800,000 on planters, over £700,000 on levelling the Widemarsh Street kerbs, and £70,000 on a climate assembly.
Harry Fone, grassroots campaign manager at the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said:
“The bill for this unprecedented intervention will leave taxpayers questioning the council’s spending habits.
“With the cost of living crisis causing catastrophe for households’ finances, the last thing residents need is an even bigger council tax bill.
“Herefordshire council needs to get a grip on its budget, eradicate wasteful spending and stop plundering the pockets of its already over-taxed residents.”
Stefan Davies, Director at Your Herefordshire, said:
“Whilst I can understand some of the frustration around the use of the Shop Local cards at national chains, I do believe the scheme as a whole has been a major success. Many local independent businesses have applauded the council and whilst many people will question expenditure on other schemes, this one is likely to be one of the schemes that many local people have supported. Herefordshire residents face a tough time with the spiralling cost of living crisis. Council’s need to manage their money better but more pressure needs to be applied to central government to better fund our local authorities.”
Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) campaigns to reform taxes and public services, cut waste and speak up for British taxpayers. Find out more at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
