Councillors have officially backed a series of policies to tackle low pay in the region.
But while Kirklees Council agreed with the need to tackle low pay, councillors were split over how achievable the ideas were.
They were asked to back a policy which will see Kirklees Council exploring ideas such as promoting pensions and in-work benefits to people who could be eligible and looking at employment policies of firms which provide council services with a requirement they do not offer zero hours contracts.
Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for resources, said it was “about putting our own house in order,” adding: “The living wage is not a silver bullet for those on low incomes and we must do much more to address the problems for the working poor.
“We are one of the wealthiest nations on earth and yet evidence shows 18% of our young people live in poverty.”
Clr Erin Hill, Cabinet member for children’s services, added: “Unfortunately we’re at a stage where the minimum wage isn’t always enough. We’ve got zero hours contracts, in-work poverty, reduced union rights, irresponsible employers and all of these affect vulnerable people.
“Tinkering with wage levels will only go so far. Employee benefits are an obvious step to take.”
But while the policy was backed, it didn’t receive unanimous support, with several Conservatives questioning the ideas.
Clr David Hall, the party’s deputy leader, said: “I’m sure all parties support decent pay for a decent job done.
“This report raises more questions than answers. Will it result it better wages and conditions for those on lowest pay scales? What will the cost be to the taxpayers of implementing recommendations? Are the recommendations actually achievable? None if it is yet costed.
“We are not in a position, even with collective buying across West Yorkshire, to dictate terms. My fear is there will be a skewing of the market which will result in increased costs to the taxpayer.”
He asked how long it would be before an increase in school catering staff wages would be passed on to parents via high school meal costs.
“If the costs of contracts filter through to the council, can we afford this increase?” he asked.
His party colleague, Clr Michael Watson said: “It is very easy to talk the talk, but it will be much more difficult to walk the walk and if we make these commitments and then nothing happens in practice this will leave Kirklees looking rather foolish.”
He added the report was “potentially a hostage to fortune if it is endorsed without real commitment and the resources to back it up.”
Clr Andrew Marchington, Lib Dem, said his party welcomed the “sentiment of the report” adding: “It’s pushing towards high wages and high skill bases which we do want, but that’s not for everybody. Every high-skilled job is supported by jobs in admin and ancillary and it’s important everyone along the whole ladder of opportunity gets paid a wage that supports them.”
