An East Lancs council’s commitment to take action following town hall debates and raising lower pay have been questioned.

Labour’s Cllr Lee Jameson asked a Ribble Valley full council meeting what has been done since a vote last autumn about moving from the minimum wage to the higher Living Wage. during questions to borough leader Cllr Stephen Atkinson.

Last autumn Labour councillors and allies won a vote in a motion from Cllr Karl Barnsley calling on the Conservative-controlled council to adopt the Living Wage Policy for the lowest-paid staff members.

The motion also called on the council to make appropriate steps to become accredited by the Living Wage Foundation.

Cllr Jameson said: “Does the leader value the importance of motions to the full council and seeing the implementation of such motions?”

Cllr Atkinson said: “Where the motion is to deal with operational matters or council policy, in my opinion it is better the issue is raised through the relevant committees.

“This is so officers can set out the financial, legal and policy implications of what is being proposed and councillors can take a considered decision.”

Cllr James added: “This time last year, the council passed a motion that proposed paying staff the Living Wage Foundation living wage. It was understood the council would take action by April. However, we have not had an update. It’s important we get updates about these vital issues.”

Cllr Atkinson added: “I think our pay bands are above minimum levels but I will check with officers about where we are up to. ”

He understood the motion. or its implementation, could include contracts with the council and using the local supply chain.

Cllr Atkinson also said: “If local tradesmen are prohibited because they don’t pay the Living Wage that’s something the council will have to consider.”

And he added: “We did this [the Living Wage motion] in good faith. There is nothing stopping this, if you think something has been done [to hinder it]. There is always a six-month period to question a council decision. But we have not done that. We have respected the original decision.”

Councillors heard Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner had spoken about changing the Low Pay Commission’s work, potentially with a new focus on maximising employment rather than focusing on pay. 

Cllr Atkinson said: “If implemented, we might find this gives a living wage increase across the country without the need for all this bureaucracy. ”