Struggling to pay bills but council pays celebrities

Anthony Farran, Burnley Chrismas Lights Switch on, Burnley Town center, This year the lights were swiched on by X Factor finalists Luke Friend & Amilia Lilly. Pictured Performing; X Factor Finaist Luke Friend

How much did it cost to get two celebrities to switch on Burnley Christmas lights? All same as last year’s. What is the Mayor of Burnley paid for? Attending so-called charity functions which they do not pay for.

I have also noticed the Christmas lights are on 24 hours a day. Who is paying for that? And why do we need three councillors for each ward, doing nothing? Come on Burnley residents, enough is enough. Empty houses, empty shops, empty offices paying no council tax at all.

From a poor pensioner living in poverty.

In response, a Burnley Council spokesman said:

“We’re sorry at the frustration your letter writer obviously feels. If anyone is struggling with paying their council tax bill they should contact our revenues and benefits staff on 01282 425011 as soon as possible and they will provide whatever help and support they can. We would point out Burnley is asking for a lower contribution than many other authorities.

“We can assure everyone we ensure all our councillors, as well as every other resident, pays their council tax and do take action against those that don’t.

“As far as the activities mentioned by the writer, they are all part of the things the council does for our residents to provide high-class services in an efficient way.”