Labour-run council funds Extinction Rebellion ‘climate cafe’ using taxpayers’ money

A Labour-run council has been criticised for funding an Extinction Rebellion “climate cafe” using taxpayers’ money.

Bolton council gave the local XR group a £1,134 grant in July for a monthly climate discussion meeting.

The “climate cafe” is advertised as a “relaxed and informal” place for a “chat about all matters climate-related”.

Conservative councillors criticised the Labour administration for handing taxpayers’ money to the activists.

Cllr Martyn Cox, the leader of the council’s Tory opposition, said council tax should not be spent on protest groups.

“The Bolton Labour group through area funding budgets are using Bolton taxpayers’ money to fund the activities of Extinction Rebellion,” he said.

“While campaigning groups have a right to pursue their aims, it is not the responsibility of council taxpayers to fund their activities. We call on the Labour group to stop funding.”

The discussion group, held at the Albert Halls theatre in the town centre, has previously invited guest speakers to lecture on food waste, fast fashion and eco-friendly gardening.

The council’s grant was given out of funds earmarked for “social value” initiatives.

‘Very welcome and a good thing’

Cllr Nick Peel, the Labour leader of the council, responded to Cllr Cox by praising Bolton XR for “providing education to the public on the effects of climate change and what we can do as individuals to change behaviours”.

He went on to suggest that there was little significant difference between the group and other local initiatives that also receive council funding.

“I think it’s quite dangerous to start being too overtly critical of decisions like this,” he said.

When the funding was announced, Cllr Richard Silvester, the Labour representative of Queens Park and Central Ward, said XR’s activities in Bolton were “very welcome and a good thing”.

“I see what they are doing locally as a group as a very welcome and a good thing for our borough and I see them as a partnership group and as a critical friend to the present Labour administration,” he said.

“We both share the objective of reducing carbon emissions in the borough. I would encourage residents to go along to the climate café events that they are holding because they are informative, and they are a good group of people.”

A spokesman for Bolton council said the grant had been approved by the Labour councillors representing the ward in which the meetings are held.

“This area-based grant was awarded to part-fund the running of a monthly ‘climate café’ where residents can discuss environmental issues and share their ideas to make our borough greener,” the spokesman said.

“As well as giving visitors the chance to hear from expert speakers, the organisers also provide free refreshments and a lending library.

“Bolton council is committed to addressing the climate emergency and to working with residents, businesses and community groups to tackle this challenge locally.”