Having entirely failed on their promise to save tax-payers’ money by cutting largely non-existent waste, Reform are now proactively pursuing spending tax-payers money by introducing their own unnecessary waste.
Exhibit A today is the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council. In the midst of a general local council funding crisis they have decided to install 164 – you guessed it – Union Jack flags.
This is estimated to cost an astonishing average of £457 per flag – adding up to around £75,000.
Even the traditionally flag-loving Conservative councillors in the area are appalled. Per Councillor Sam Smith:
To spend £75,000 of taxpayers’ money on putting flags up seems a bit ridiculous to me. That should be spent on services.
Their Labour colleague, Helen Faccio, agrees:
We heard when Reform came to power, that they would make council services more efficient and cut wasteful spending.
Then we hear about huge spending on flags. My residents would say we should spend money filling potholes or investing in youth clubs.
As does the local MP, Steve Yemm:
When my constituents – right across Mansfield – are contacting me about the poor state of our local roads and potholes – I am amazed that the Reform-led county council is spending our council tax in this way.
My constituents will be appalled.