West Suffolk Council is set to buy a building to house Afghans, Ukrainians and others at a cost of £320,000. I am very concerned how this is happening. For the purpose of this blog post I want to put to one side the relative merits of buying the building. I am more concerned about the decision not being held in public.
Because the value is below £500k the decision is going to be taken under delegated powers by Labour portfolio holders. Whilst I accept that this is within the rules, normally something as contentious as this would be expected to be decided in the public domain, either at Cabinet or full council.
This would allow the public and other councillors the opportunity to examine the merits and motivation of the decision.
Labour have a long history of encouraging migrants but not been in the position to having to fund them. The minority led Labour coalition at West Suffolk Council will now need to deal with that. £320,000 is a lot of tax payers money for a temporary problem. What services will they stop to fund it?
Nick Clarke 
These are not refugees! They are illegal immigrants, who cannot prove that they are flexing from persecution etc. Etc. They, like prisoners should not be given free board and lodging at our expense! Hard working tax payers should not be expected to provide for either of these sectors of society. They should be given jobs to do that will benefit our society. Not be using our taxes!!!! I would rather my share to be spent on looking after our elderly population, that did work & pay their taxes. I am not a liberal person & expect everyone who is able to contribute to society.
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Prolifigate Labour at it once again. It aint your money its OUR Council Tax your spending without OUR consultation. Why in private, no debate ,is it cos your scared of the backlash from the electorate.
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