A rogue councillor has frustrated his fellow members for proposing several last-minute changes to its budget which left some "losing the will to live" as the meeting dragged on.
Charles Joyce, who quit his position as Labour group leader at West Norfolk Council two months ago, left his colleagues exasperated at the several amendments he brought forward, leading to a four-hour-long debate.
The suggestions included funding for local food banks and charities, the King's Lynn night shelter and introducing free bulky waste collection.
While some were voted against, it was agreed to offer £50,000 in funding for local food banks and £50,000 for domestic abuse charities.
As the meeting went on and each individual amendment went to a debate, patience began to wane but despite being from opposing political parties, Tory party members voiced support for some of his amendments.
At a mid-point in the meeting, cabinet member for tourism, events and marketing, Simon Ring, said he was "losing the will to live".
READ MORE: Council accused of hiking car park charges to fund staff pay rises
Francis Bone, who took over from Mr Joyce as the leader of the Labour group, said: "The real debate we should be having has been subjugated.
"Some causes put forward are worthy but this is political posturing.
"I'm wondering what our taxpayers will be thinking watching this. I am disappointed in our behaviour."
Independent councillor Tom Ryves said it was "embarrassing" how the meeting unfolded and added: "These are several issues we all feel quite passionate about and want to support.
"But we either have an ordered council where money is spent effectively or we randomly start throwing it out the window."
Tempers also frayed after cabinet member Alistair Beales attacked the Conservatives' stance on the increase to staff wages, which they have criticised.
It led to raised voices from Tory party members, who took offence at the suggestion they were "personally attacking" employees.
The tempestuous meeting is the latest event to unfold at West Norfolk Council, which has been dubbed "Norfolk's most cantankerous council" due to frequent clashes among its members.
Members eventually passed the budget for this year, which includes a range of fee rises ranging from car park charges, weddings and burial costs.
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