Furious social workers confront city mayor over having to use own cars to help vulnerable patients

Angry social workers have confronted Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett on the town hall doorstep saying they are "subsidising" children's services by using their own cars for their job. Members of the fostering and family placement social work team lobbied Mr Dennett and his deputy John Merry before a full council meeting at

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They were led by Salford City Unison assistant branch secretary Ameen Hadi. In a letter delivered to Mr Dennett, they said: "We have come here today to highly the need for the council to review its car allowance policy in the light of the huge increases in petrol prices currently being experienced.

"The cost of buying petrol, let alone the wear and tear to vehicles, is having a considerable impact on all staff. Ultimately, the cost of maintaining services and visiting clients is now being borne by the staff, not the council.

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"In the light of this and the use of hybrid working, we request an immediate review." The fostering and family placement team are also requesting the reinstatement of their essential car mileage allowance which was originally withdrawn in 2015.

They say it is not possible to perform the service without the use of a personal car, particularly since the advent of hybrid working. Addressing the union members directly, Mr Dennett said: "We have to set a legally balanced budget.

"There are tough times ahead in local government, with the cuts in public spending, what the hell is the Government playing at? But he added: "I can't stand here today promising to reinstate the essential care user allowance."

Mr Dennett said the council would look at their case.