BURY Council has come under attack after it was revealed that staff are paid to negotiate cheap deals and discounts for town hall employees.

The perks system was uncovered after a letter was mistakenly sent to a former council worker informing him of the special deals on offer. Discounted nursery places for children and deals on mortgages and loans are just some of the deals available to council workers.

The retired teacher, who does not wish to be named, was stunned by the letter. He said: "It seems to me that town hall resources are being used to obtain discounts and financial benefits for the council's staff. It would be OK for a private company, but I would have thought that any deals and discounts obtained by the council should be passed on to the people who pay their wages."

The discounts are organised by the council's Equal Opportunities Department and some are available through the workers' union Unison.

Tracy Johnson, council personnel and administration officer who negotiates with private companies, said: "Nurseries have come to us and asked if we would like discounted places for staff. We will be looking at other nurseries in the future.

"It takes up a minimum amount of my time and doesn't cost the council anything. Other organisations offer their employees discount."

But single mum Stephanie Bentley slammed the perks system as an "absolute disgrace", saying it was time that could be better spent searching for better deals for Bury residents.

Stephanie, who lives in Leach Street, Prestwich, with her five-year-old twins, said: "I am struggling to juggle my studies with finding work and looking after two children. I would have thought it would be fairer to pass on these deals and discounts to the people who really need them." She said that at the moment take up rate for the deal was low, but may increase in the future.

Bury Council is not a private company. I was under the impression it was there to look out for everybody, not just a select few.

Others include trips to EuroDisney Disneyland, and reductions at some town centre stores

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