'Outrageous waste': Telford council slammed for spending £259,000 on new chamber
Telford & Wrekin Council has come under fire for spending over £259,000 on a new meeting chamber.
The council has converted an empty space in Southwater One into a council chamber to hold public meetings.
The meeting room is kitted out with a microphone system fitted to every seat, a new recording system and television screens to show proceedings.
At the full council meeting last week, Councillor Andrew Eade, the Conservative group leader, asked for the full cost of providing the council chamber that they were currently using.
In reply, Councillor Nathan England, cabinet member for finance, said that the total cost of purchasing and installing all of the equipment and furniture for the council chamber is a ‘one off’ investment of £259,295.
Councillor England said this was a ‘considerable amount’ of money but would be repaid from savings from the closure of Addenbrooke House in 12 months time.
“We will benefit from the income from this chamber every year afterwards, as we have income targets for the use of this excellent facility,” said Councillor England.
