Reform UK leader Richard Tice has launched a blistering attack on Walsall Council after an explosive investigation uncovered that taxpayers funded over £30,000 for trade union facility time.
The fiery politician demanded immediate repayment of what he called "wasted public money" and called for a complete overhaul of how local authorities handle union arrangements.
The Investigation That Sparked Outrage
According to documents obtained through a transparency probe, the Conservative-led council authorised significant payments to cover time spent by council employees on union duties rather than their official roles. The total bill to local taxpayers reached a staggering £30,635.84.
Mr Tice didn't mince words when confronted with the figures, stating: "This is a complete misuse of hard-working taxpayers' money. Every single penny should be paid back immediately."
A Political Firestorm Erupts
The revelation has ignited a political storm in the West Midlands town, with Reform UK positioning itself as the champion of fiscal responsibility. Tice emphasised that in the current economic climate, with families struggling to make ends meet, such expenditures were particularly galling.
"At a time when councils claim they're struggling to provide essential services, this wasteful spending on trade union facility time is utterly unacceptable," the Reform leader declared.
Broader Implications for Local Government
This controversy raises serious questions about transparency in local government spending and the relationship between councils and trade unions. Tice has called for other local authorities across the country to review their own arrangements and ensure taxpayer money is being used appropriately.
The Walsall Council case has become a focal point in the ongoing debate about public sector spending priorities, with Reform UK hoping to capitalise on public frustration with perceived government waste.
