Leading Conservative Councillors have criticised plans by the ruling Labour Council to spend £34,000 on new laptopsfor Councillors.
The plans, due to be discussed by a joint meeting of 3 Labour Cabinet Members next week, would see taxpayers fork out over £34,000 for a project to give Councillors new laptops. The proposal follows the City Council announcing the closure of 6 Children’s Centres and increased charges for local residents.
The Cabinet Members will consider three options outlined by Council officers for the future of Councillors Computer Equipment. The first option, which is set to be approved by Labour Councillors, will see the replacement of all current PCs and laptops provided with new laptops and associated and associated equipment at a cost to the taxpayer of £34,368.
The second option is not to refresh ICT equipment for Councillors. The third option also suggests not purchasing new equipment, including Blackberry’s, but would allow Councillors to pay to use existing Blackberry stock provided by the Council at their own expense.
Conservative Councillors believe that this type of expenditure cannot be justified against a background of cuts being made to vital services like local Children’s Centres. They believe that Councillors wanting items such as Blackberry’s can do so at their own expense.
Conservative Spokesman for City Services, which includes ICT, Cllr Allan Andrews, said: “This is another example of the Council saying on one hand that they have no money, yet continuing to spend money on frivolous expenditure. I have made clear to the Council that this report does not have my support and I would urge Council leaders to reject the report’s recommendation.
“Option three would strike the right balance between spending taxpayer’s money wisely and allowing those Councillors who want a Blackberry to conduct their public duties to do so, but at their own expense.
"It is vital that Councillors lead by example in the current financial climate.”
Councillor Hazel Noonan, who is campaigning to save Cheylesmore Children’s Centre, said: “At a time when the Council is telling residents that Children’s Centres have to close it is bizarre that this level of spending is being proposed because some Councillors would like a new computer. Many residents in my ward will conclude that this proposal is not about making their Councillor wireless, but these 3 Cabinet Members being clueless."