The tradition of a luxury car for civic leaders should come to an end, according to a Burntwood councillor.
Lichfield District Council’s scrutiny committee is set to discuss the future of the chairman’s chauffeur-driven Jaguar XF next week.
More than £16,000 has been set aside for the vehicle to transport the city’s civic leaders around for the coming 12 months.
But as the council battles to balance the books, options including axing the car altogether are being considered.
However, former chairman Cllr David Leytham insisted the £36,000 vehicle was “absolutely essential”.
His views have been challenged by Sharon Banevicius, Labour district councillor for Chasetown. She was previously the chair of Burntwood Town Council and insisted tradition could not be followed regardless of cost.
“Is it a necessity? In my opinion, no,” said Cllr Banevicius. “I never had a car at Burntwood Town Council and if I were chair of Lichfield District Council I wouldn’t want or expect a car either.
“It is a luxury, especially that type of car. Is a vehicle that large really a necessity to go around local areas when we are trying to cut down in other areas, such as community transport?
“Being a chairman is an honour and there shouldn’t need to be perks attached.
“It’s hanging on to tradition. I changed it at Burntwood Town Council. For example, I didn’t have a sit down civic service meal for the chain gang and councillors. Instead, I had a carol service and spent around £200 for tea, wine and mince pies for everyone who attended, including the public.
“I wasn’t criticised for that – in fact I was praised by people within the community for changing tradition.
“Yes, it’s different at Burntwood Town Council, but would people in Lichfield really complain if we changed things?
“Tradition shouldn’t come at any expense.”
Cllr Leytham had argued that taking the chairman’s Jaguar off the road would see the local authority losing more in reputation and promotion than it saved on the balance sheet.
But Cllr Banevicius says the idea that a status symbol is needed does not wash with residents who are feeling the effects of austerity measures.
“I went to all engagements as Burntwood Town Council chair and found my own way there. It never hampered me or made me look any better or worse.
“When you’ve arrived at an event and the car has gone you’re the same as everyone else in the room. Nobody said I had to sit at the bottom of the table because I didn’t have a big car bringing me.
“I disagree with the idea that we will be losing more than we save. What would you really lose? In this time of austerity people look at the chairman and wonder why they as taxpayers are footing the bill for that car.
“Cuts are everywhere and yet here we are paying thousands for a car.
“They don’t travel very far either. I made my own way to civic events and it didn’t cost the earth.
“It simply isn’t a necessity to have a car costing that much money.”
The overview and scrutiny committee meeting where the future of the chauffeur driven vehicle will be discussed will also see a debate over the work the council is doing to balance the books after a reduction in funding from government.
With a number of services feeling the pinch, Cllr Banevicius says priorities need to be drawn up.
“As councillors we have to do what we can to keep costs at a minimum,” she said.
“There are a lot of cutbacks to contend with and the priority needs to be health, community and housing, rather than a luxury car.”
