A Labour-run council has been reportedly slammed for using taxpayers' money to fund an Extinction Rebellion “climate cafe”.
Bolton council gave the local XR group a £1,134 grant in July for a monthly climate discussion meeting, reports The Telegraph.
The “climate cafe” is advertised as a “relaxed and informal” place for a “chat about all matters climate-related”.
Conservative councilors have condemned the Labor administration for allocating taxpayers' money to activists.
Councilor Martyn Cox, leader of the council's Tory opposition, argued that council tax funds should not be used to support protest groups.
He told The Telegraph: “The Bolton Labor group through area funding budgets are using Bolton taxpayers' money to fund the activities of Extinction Rebellion.
“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 Labor group to stop funding.”
The discussion group, hosted at the Albert Halls theater in the town center, has previously featured guest speakers addressing topics such as food waste, fast fashion, and eco-friendly gardening.
The council's grant was provided from funds designated for “social value” initiatives.
Cllr Nick Peel, the Labor 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 received 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 Labor 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 Labor 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 spokesperson for Bolton council said the grant had been approved by the Labor councilors representing the ward in which the meetings are held.
The spokesperson told Express.co.uk: “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 spokesperson said. .
“As well as giving visitors the chance to hear from expert speakers, the organizers 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.”