A supporter has contacted me with shocking details of how much it has cost to refurbish Rotherham Town Hall. Rotherham Council was identified in our recent report on council non-jobs as spending £317K on diversity officers. Now, after the council initially refused to reveal the costs of the refurbishment, it has come clean and given a breakdown of costs, which have come in at a massive £2.9 million.
Here are some of the highlights (or lowlights):
Chairs and coverings have cost taxpayers £310K. As wallpaper has cost £154K, the council must have used the same supplier as Lord Irvine! Microphones and technology have cost £217K. When you look at the figures, it is hardly surprising the council tried to hide the true costs.
Rotherham Council has recently stated it expects to cut its budget by between 10-30%. I'm sure taxpayers will identify the excessive costs of this refurbishment and the costs of the diversity officers as areas where the council should have saved money and where it can save money.
If you have information on waste in your area, and want it highlighted, then please contact me. My e-mail address is: [email protected]