Furious council workers erupted in protest outside Kensington Town Hall yesterday after bosses slashed a long-standing travel perk — leaving many nearly £1,800 a year out of pocket.

The cash-strapped authority is wielding the axe as it grapples with a staggering £108 MILLION budget black hole, insisting the cuts are needed to keep essential services afloat.

But unions say the move will hit hundreds of already stretched staff hard. Around 800 employees currently receive a travel allowance covering TfL Zones 1–2 — a benefit that’s now heading for the scrapheap. 

UNISON London regional organiser Nathan Burns blasted the decision, telling The Citizen: “The travel allowance scheme has been in place for over 30 years. It’s unacceptable for the council to strip it away without any consultation.”

He added: “The majority of staff have no choice but to live outside the borough due to high housing costs. The council must re-think this decision before it makes it even harder to recruit and retain the workforce it depends on.”

At least 65 angry workers descended on the Town Hall at lunchtime, waving flags, brandishing banners and making themselves heard to Council chiefs with whistles and chants.

One female demonstrator, who asked not to be named, said: “What the Council is doing is horrendous. I’m so upset to be losing almost £2,OOO a year. I’ll have to make cuts to my heating, food – everything”

Echoing the thoughts of many, a male colleague fumed: “We worked hard and loyally during Covid,” he said. “And this is how they treat us. It’s disgusting.”

Protesters handed in a 500-signature petition — and union chiefs are now warning strike action could be next if Town Hall bosses refuse to back down.

But for now the council is standing firm. A spokesperson told The Citizen: “Kensington and Chelsea is facing severe financial pressures, with £108 million of savings required over the next four years because of government funding cuts. As a result, we are reviewing all discretionary spending to protect essential services for residents and reduce the risk of more severe measures in the future.”

He added: “The decision to withdraw the discretionary Zone 1-2 travel allowance, which costs around £1 million each year, was not taken lightly. We recognise the impact it will have on some colleagues, but it is not a common benefit at any other London local authority and staff will continue to be fully reimbursed for all work-related travel.”

Battle lines are now drawn — and the threat of strikes is looming.