| |
Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg |
Labour group slams the Tories’ £25k night out
THE Tories are under fire for blowing £25,000 of taxpayers’ money on a luxury black-tie dinner.
The Annual Civic Dinner is on March 15 at Lord’s cricket ground.
Labour councillors are to boycott the night, arguing £25,000 would be better spent supporting local sports clubs and young people.
Leader of the Labour group, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, said: “The Conservatives have their priorities totally wrong. They would rather spend £25,000 of council tax payers’ money on food and drink than use that money to support Westminster’s young sportsmen and women.”
The dinner comes in the wake of finance chiefs decision to refuse a grant application for just £7,350 from the All Stars boxing club in Harrow Road.
Councillor Robert Davis, lead member for special events, said spending £25,000 on dinner was standard practice.
He said: “At the start of each year full council approves spending on, among other items, a civic dinner, and this is in keeping with practice by many local authorities.
“The event gives the council an opportunity to thank the numerous people in the community who work so hard on behalf of their fellow Westminster residents.
“Just some of the people we wish to show the council’s gratitude to for their essential work include representatives of faith groups, the emergency services, commerce and local voluntary groups.
He added: “Funding is not taken from any other sources and the event is non party political.” |
 |
|
| |
| |
