Most people expected that the Tories would vote in favour of the increase but were shocked when the 28 Labour councillors refused to vote and abstained in spite of  having said in a press release earlier in the day that  Labour pledges to oppose ‘grotesque’ cabinet pay rise.

Speaking after the meeting Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Ian Shires said “I’m absolutely disgusted with the Labour group. One of them had even led a deputation of pensioners lobbying councillors as they went into the Council House for the all important meeting. How let down they must have felt when the very same councillor sat on his hands on the crucial vote.”

No one party has a majority on Walsall Council so if Labour had combined with the Liberal Democrats and Independents, the Tories would have been defeated and the increase stopped.

“When people are being asked to tighten their belts it’s only right and proper that those charged with the running of the town should show restraint and forego any increases” said Ian. “One can only think that Labour had sat on their hands and refused to vote in order that they could reap the benefits should power shift back to them at the next local election in May 2014. How arrogant is that” concluded Ian.

The new rates will come into effect in April.