Written by Loretta Vendetta Friday, 19 June 2009 00:00
Westminster City Council’s Finance Scrutiny Committee is to launch an inquiry into Councillors’ allowances, Staff bonuses, and money spent on press and communications.
Last year Senior Staff bonuses totalled £5.8 million and the Council spent £3.2 million on press and communications. The inquiries will be held at the 22nd September meeting of the Committee.
The revelation that the Council spent £5.8 million on bonuses to senior staff (up from £5.1 million the previous year) had shocked many residents, as had the the news that the Council spends over £230,000 a year on private health insurance for senior staff. Labour councilors say that there also needs to be a searching look into the £3.2 million a year spent on press oficers, glossy magazines and public relations events at a time when the Council is in a financial crisis following the £17 million investment in now-failed Icelandic Banks and is sacking over 300 staff.
Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said: “We are delighted that the Finance Scrutiny Committee has agreed to these three inquiries. We hope that the Committee will seek evidence from as wide a field of interests as possible so that local residents and groups have the opportunity to have their say.”
The new website has apparently been developed by staff from the ICT and Communication departments.
The leader of Westminster City Council is due to stand trial accused of making unauthorised alterations to his former £3million Suffolk mansion.
In 2004, Barrow, 56, bought the 18-bedroom house - complete with servants' quarters, 60 acres of secluded parkland, a heated swimming pool and a tennis court - from former theatrical agent Sara Low. Built in 1679, the estate is recognised as one of Suffolk's most outstanding country homes.
Westminster City Council which invested millions with Icelandic banks just before they collapsed has come under fire from MPs along with many other councils.
