Angry members of the public were booted out of Stoke-on-Trent City Council's budget meeting after booing councillors.
A packed public gallery was ordered out after repeated warnings from Lord Mayor Terry Crowe about heckling speaking Labour councillors and shouting out during speeches.
The debate, which lasted over three hours, had a tense atmosphere before the public left, with emotive arguments from councillors for and against the 2013-14 budget.
He said: "I feel uncomfortable having a debate in an empty chamber, when we are meant to be showing transparency to the people.
Among the issues debated in the meeting was CCTV, "bedroom tax", and the cuts to lollipop people in schools across the city.
Residents are concerned about the safety of children travelling to school near busy roads, after the council announced plans to cut the number of crossing wardens from 79 to 37.
But Cllr Alan Dutton said they are "not putting children at risk" because youngsters "know how to use pelican crossings".
Cllr Joy Garner said: "The definition of Tory is a thief. These people are not Robin Hood types, though, as they take from the poor and give to the rich."
Before going to the final vote Cllr Pervez said: "Is it the politics of change or the politics of hypocrisy? I'll let the electorate decide."
Tags: Alan Dutton, budget, CCTV, featured, lollipop, mayor, Mohammed Pervez, public meeting, Stoke City Council, Terry Crowe
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