Bid to help advice bureau is defeated (From Keighley News)

Bid to help advice bureau is defeated

2:30pm Thursday 9th July 2009

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A resolution to assist the Keighley branch of the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) with a £20,000 grant was defeated Cllr Lionel Lockley proposed a grant to fund the post of an employment worker to help local people hit by the recession.

Cllr Lockley said the council had a net underspend on last year’s budget of £24,000, more than enough to meet the CAB’s request.

He said: “The £20,000 CAB asked for in its desperate plea to this council in March has so far not been officially acknowledged by any member or officer of this council.

“I find this lack of respect for such a highly respected Keighley institution shameful to say the least.”

Cllr Allan Rhodes said the Keighley CAB was part of a national organisation with a budget of millions. “Maybe we should be asking them for some money,” he added.

Finance committee chairman Cllr John Philip said he would like to see the Keighley CAB ask Bradford Council for financial help.

Cllr Graham Mitchell said the town council performed a balancing act, as it was criticised for supposedly spending too much or doing too little. But he said he felt £20,000 was “regrettably” more than it could afford.

Cllr Lockley stressed the money would be used specifically to help Keighley residents.

He called for a named vote to decide the resolution.

He, Cllr Samuels, and Cllr Ron Beale voted in favour. A total of 16 councillors voted against and one abstained.

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