A member of the Cabinet at Lichfield District Council says a history of “elderly” councillors taking up civic roles means a chauffeur driven car is needed.
The local authority’s Cabinet has backed reforms to the budget for its chairman and vice-chairman.
But it rejected calls to axe the civic car completely, instead opting to downgrade the current Jaguar to a Ford Mondeo.
Issues around security were highlighted as a reason to keep the dedicated vehicle and Cllr Colin Greatorex said the age of some of those who have taken on the role in previous years showed why a car was needed.
“There has been talk of security,” he said. “But we also need to consider the word septuagenarian.
“History shows us that some of those who have taken on the roles have been elderly. We cannot expect them to just appear with their own transport and I certainly can’t imagine them getting on public transport with an expensive chain under their arm.”
The proposals were drawn up by Cllr Mike Wilcox, leader of Lichfield District Council, after an internal review.
He said: “I believe that we have a duty to ensure that those who are fulfilling the civic duty are being looked after correctly.
“The option of hiring a taxi or limousine would not guarantee the vehicles being available to collect them after a function and when they have an expensive chain to carry that isn’t feasible. The chauffeur helps ensure that security is taken into account too.”
“There has been talk of security,” ????
“History shows us that some of those who have taken on the roles have been elderly. We cannot expect them to just appear with their own transport and I certainly can’t imagine them getting on public transport with an expensive chain under their arm.”
Do you people actually hear the words coming out of your mouths?