Councillor Elaine Williams, the newly appointed Reform UK leader of Walsall Council, has outlined her cost-cutting agenda and controversial views on climate policies in her first interview since taking control.
£109,000 Savings Achieved
Williams confirmed that £109,000 of taxpayers' money has already been saved through restructuring council governance. The savings came from reducing cabinet members from 10 to seven, cutting one committee, and scaling back the mayoral welcome party to 'tea and cake' in the Mayor's parlour.
Council Tax Concerns
Despite Walsall residents paying the highest council tax in the West Midlands, Williams refused to promise future freezes but said she is 'mindful' rates should be 'as low as possible'. The council faces predicted annual increases of 4.99% over the next three years.
Net Zero Spending Criticised
Williams strongly criticised the council's £23.462 million spending on net zero policies, questioning whether money was wasted on 'feasibility studies' and 'consultations that go nowhere'. She controversially claimed climate change follows natural cycles and dismissed electric cars and heat pumps as ineffective.
'I believe it's just an extra expense to the taxpayer,' Williams said of net zero spending. 'Electric cars are supposed to be better, but the batteries are so damaging to the environment.'
National Anthem and Other Plans
The Reform group is still investigating how to implement their election pledge to play the national anthem before council meetings. Williams also discussed opposition to the proposed Reedswood Park school development and concerns about resident representation on funding boards.
Landslide Victory
Williams attributed Reform's landslide victory to residents feeling ignored by the previous administration, saying people 'wanted change' after witnessing Walsall's decline over recent years.
