TAXPAYERS are subsidising company cars for almost 200 employees at a cash-strapped council.
Halton council, which covers Runcorn and Widnes, was today under fire for its lease car scheme, revealed in a Freedom of Information response.
It is the only council locally that provides such a comprehensive scheme for the benefit of its workers.
Liverpool council’s top two officials have luxury motors paid for by the taxpayer, while Knowsley council leases cars for just three of its top brass.
Knowsley has refused to name the officials and the car they drive saying it was personal information and could make the people in question targets for criminals.
Sefton, Wirral, and St Helens said they do not provide company cars to employees, in response to the the enquiry.
Robert Oxley, campaign manager of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: “It’s astonishing that council chiefs feel it is acceptable whilst acknowledging the need to cut spending elsewhere.
“Halton Council must explain why it feels so many of its staff need company cars when neighbouring authorities feel they do not.
“Reducing the bill for this perk is a quick and easy saving that won’t affect front line services, the council should jump at the chance to save the money.”
