Nurses pay causes anger in South Hams
A furious row has erupted at South Hams District Council. The conservative run council has refused to allow a debate on the 1% pay rise for NHS nurses announced by the government. Ivybridge councillor Victor Abbott proposed the motion for the full council on 25th March. The motion called on the government to think again about the pay awards for NHS staff. It has now been ruled 'out of order' and will not be debated.
Commenting Cllr Abbott said, 'I'm very disappointed. It would have allowed us to show our support for the NHS nurses and carers. Putting political differences aside I wanted the South Hams to come together - to send a clear message to government - this miserly pay rise is wrong. The dedication and courage of our NHS workers and indeed all our key workers deserves better. We will continue the campaign and I hope the government will see the error of its ways.'
The motion was judged to fall foul of Council Procedure Rule 10.3. This does not allow the council to debate subjects outside of its remit. Newton & Yealmpton Councillor Dan Thomas questioned this decision. 'We have debated many topics at SHDC including the Local Energy Bill, which I support. Surely in these extraordinary times the community wants its elected representatives to voice its concerns when they feel government has got something wrong.'