A Reform-UK led council has “no plans” to scrap its work from home policy, despite a proposed clampdown by its party leader Nigel Farage.
Lincolnshire County Council announced it will “not change the current setup” where staff split their time between home and office where appropriate.
Earlier this year, when asked what Reform UK’s priorities for power would be, Mr Farage told the BBC: “No more work from home, increased productivity. That won’t be a magic wand, it won’t solve every problem, but it will be a good start and we’ll be judged on that.”
However, a Lincolnshire cabinet member appeared to confirm the current remote working setup would not be changing.
The issue came up during a meeting last week on the local authority’s energy usage, reports LincolnshireLive.
Conservative councillor Paul Martin said: “It was promised that the new administration would scrap working from home, and reduce the workforce by 10 per cent. Is this still a thing?
“This would have a significant impact on energy usage.”
Reform councillor Rural Danny Brookes stressed there would be no imminent changes.
Reform UK’s councillors said they would not scrap the policy
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He told the Environment Committee: “We are continuing as we are at the moment. We are investigating every avenue to save money for the taxpayer. Anything to be announced will be in the budget.”
The majority of the council’s business meetings are conducted on Microsoft Teams to reduce the business costs, time and carbon emissions of commuting.
The council’s policy on its website states: “Managers will support their employees’ choice as long as the operational service delivery needs and needs of the team to interact in person are met. On average, employees will work two days per week at the workbase.
“It is expected that individuals will reside within reasonable commuting distance on the basis that there will be a need to attend their work base.”
Nigel Farage’s party has come under fire after taking 10 councils
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PAReform UK stormed to victory at May’s local elections, taking control of 10 councils. However, it has been plunged into chaos after losing nine members on its flagship Kent County Council (KCC).
Last month, councillor Robert Ford was removed from Reform UK following unofficial complaints from female members of staff.
Mr Ford claims the complaints relate to an “erotic novel” he had published, which he had mentioned to people at KCC.
Most recently, councillor Isabella Kemp, who represents Sheppey on KCC, was suspended from the party ahead of a council meeting last Thursday.
Ms Kemp’s removal is the latest in a string of suspensions since a video showing KCC leader Linden Kemkaran shouting and swearing at members was leaked to The Guardian.
It has been reported by the BBC that Ms Kemp is considering legal action against Reform UK.
Councillors Bill Barrett, Paul Thomas, Brian Black and Oliver Bradshaw have since been removed, while Maxine Fothergill remains suspended by Reform UK.
They were said to have “undermined the interests of the party” and have been called “dishonest” by the leadership.
Reform Cllr Linden Kemkaran (front centre) is the leader of the Reform UK Kent County Council group
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PAIn a speech in the council chamber on Thursday, Ms Kemkaran drew parallels between her party and her son’s army training.
She said: “Some had quit because they couldn’t hack it, others have been thrown out for bad behaviour, because they weren’t good enough or they weren’t team players, not up to the challenge or were simply unable or unwilling to accept discipline. Believe me, we are much stronger and we are totally battle fit.”
Liberal Democrat’s councillor Antony Hook took aim at Mr Farage’s party, suggesting the Reform administration had made KCC a “punchline” on Have I Got News For You.
“I’m told that people are literally placing bets on whether the administration will last until Christmas or Easter,” he said.