SPECULATION that senior council chiefs enjoyed a Queen concert at council tax payer’s expense has been quashed.
The Telegraph published details of credit card spending over £500 by local authorities over the last three years including that of Cheshire West and Chester Council.
One entry in particular caused a stir on web blogs which referenced expendture of £2,878.50 relating to a stay at the Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate, paid on June 25, 2009, on the chief executive/leader’s office card.
Ex-councillor Richard Lowe speculated it may be in connection with the Local Government Association Conference or a Queen concert taking place at the time.
He asked: “Why was the most expensive hotel chosen, £65 a night more than the cheapest?”
Council spokesman Ian Callister confirmed the LGA conference was the reason for the three-night stay. It involved Tory council leader Mike Jones, deputy council leader Les Ford, Labour group leader Derek Bateman, the then Lib Dem group leader Malcolm Gaskill, chief executive Steve Robinson plus staff from the communications team who had a stand.
