A LOCAL authority leader has defended his decision to give 2,000 town hall staff a £50 shopping voucher as a thank-you for their work during the coronavirus pandemic and rejected a call to give 500 low-paid workers £100 instead.

Last week Cllr Mohammed Khan authorised the gift, which can be used in The Mall or Blackburn Market, to all Blackburn with Darwen Council employees in recognition of their efforts.

But on Thursday night he was tackled on the issue by Mark Russell during public questions at the borough's executive board.

The deputy chairman of Blackburn Conservative Association asked Cllr Khan: "You have spent most of the last year saying that the council is short of money. You have repeatedly demanded extra money from government, despite the generous support provided.

"But at a time when the council is apparently trying to identify savings you have still found £100,000 of taxpayer money to gift to council employees. This council appears to have forgotten that it exists to serve the public and not vice versa. Will you rethink your unnecessary decision ?"

Cllr Khan said: "It is right and proper that we recognise the hard work and dedication of council staff.

"Never has this been demonstrated more than during the pandemic.

"People have looked to the council for help and we have not let them down.

"I make no apology for the need to look after our workforce. They are brilliant.

"More than 70 per cent of people working at the council are local residents so we are talking about people living in our streets.

"Most councils have done something. We have opted to give a small token which will directly support the local economy or local good causes given there is an option to donate the £50."

Mark Russell: "I agree that council staff have been brilliant. However many council employees are very reasonably paid indeed.

"I'd like to propose that instead of giving 2,000 employees a £50 voucher, why don't you give the 500 lowest paid employees a £100 voucher.

"Double the money to the people who need it most and a saving to the taxpayer of £50,000."

Cllr Khan replied: "I think it is not fair to try and find the people who have done a great job. I think it is the whole council working together as one unit to make sure they are delivering the best services."

Mr Russell said: "I think you should give more money to the lowest paid."