War of words over ‘spend, spend’, jibe
Reporter: Dawn Marsden
Date published: 02 February 2010
OLDHAM’S Labour group has accused the Lib-Dems of “feasting” on council money while many residents struggle to pay their bills.
But the Lib-Dems have hit back claiming Labour twisted figures for its political gain.
Labour’s finance spokesman, Councillor Peter Dean, said: “The annual cost of travel, hotels, conferences and courses has shot up from £465,000 to more than £709,000 last year and it is still increasing this year.
“This is despite there being fewer staff and, allegedly, tighter controls on spending.
“This smacks of an ‘Ivory Tower’ that is out of control and is literally feasting on our money.”
The group issued a Freedom of Information request to obtain details of money spent on travel, hotels, conferences and courses from 2008 to now.
It was revealed that under Lib-Dems control in 2008, £256,565 was spent on travel alone which increased to £367,454 last year.
A total of £209,368 was spent on hotels, conferences and courses in 2008 increasing to £341,703 in 2009.
Councillor Dean says these figures are set to rise again in 2010 but the Lib-Dems strongly disagree.
Councillor Lynne Thompson, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Councillor Dean talks a good game and doesn’t let the facts get in the way of his spin.
“The figures come from a Freedom of Information request, which he quotes selectively and inaccurately.
“Spending is neither reckless nor increasing.
“The spend on travel, hotels, conferences and courses is set to drop by nearly a third this year.
“The truth about ‘feasting on our money’, as Councillor Dean knows but keeps under wraps, is that spending on food and refreshments will almost halve this year.
“The fallacy in Councillor Dean’s argument is so basic, I wonder whether he actually understands the data he quotes from.
Councillor Dean said: “It is high time that the failing Lib-Dems council took control of this ludicrous, unacceptable situation and stopped treating taxpayers’ money as a free lunch while hardworking families struggle, day-by-day, to pay their bills.”
