Calls for a Dudley pothole czar to hold contractors to account in order to ensure value for money
Dudley’s Labour group is calling for a borough pothole czar as part of its alternative financial plans.
The group has revealed the amendments it wants to see in the authority’s budget which will be debated at a full council meeting on February 23.
The council has a legal duty to set a balanced budget and Labour want a range of changes to the current proposals from the ruling Conservatives.
Cllr Adeela Qayyum, who represents St Thomas’s Ward in Dudley for Labour, said: “There appears to be no robust inspection of the quality of work being carried out.
“Substandard repairs should not be signed off or paid for. If public money is being spent, residents deserve work that actually lasts.”
The document outlining Labour’s amendments said: “This amendment ensures that all proposals are fiscally responsible.
“It maintains a balanced budget while targeting investments that reduce inequalities, strengthen neighbourhoods and support long‑term financial sustainability.”
The proposals include the introduction of the pothole inspector who would assess repairs and hold contractors to account ensuring value for money.
The amendments also include a commitment to repair dangerous and deep potholes within seven days of being reported.
Labour also proposes free parking at all council leisure centres to boost membership, a ten percent cut to Telecare charges and to establish the council’s Welfare Rights team with six full-time staff.
Among the other amendments to the budget is a proposal to appoint ten youth and community engagement officers and ten community protection officers with extra powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Dudley’s Conservatives have also announced plans for a tough new stance on ASB with extra spending on a range of measures including drones to follow off-road bikes.
Other Labour suggestions include installing more grit bins in locations identified by councillors and reinstating access to Anchor Lane tip to provide household waste recycling facilities, especially for residents in the north of the borough.
The council’s proposed budget already includes £900,000 to be spent over the next three years on household waste recycling centre provision and the return of two hours free parking on its car parks.
Labour says its proposals will cost £2m which will be funded by lowering contributions to funds designed to cope with unexpected financial pressures.
