The drinks are on YOU - Lib Dems expose true cost of Mayor's hospitality

10.14.59pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 25th May 2009

Merthyr Lib Dems object to taxpayers money being spent on booze for councillors

In their ongoing campaign to reform the Mayor's expenses, the local Lib Dems have exposed the true cost to the taxpayer of funding free booze and food for councillors in Merthyr Tydfil.

Amy Kitcher said, "To put it in context imagine an average terraced street in Merthyr and say there are about 25 houses on it. The money those 25 families pay to the council in Council Tax doesn't get spent on front line services. Instead, it gets skimmed off and goes into the Mayor's hospitality account. More than £22,000 in total.

"I am appalled that in these difficult economic times, Merthyr Council is still using public money to fund free food and alcohol for councillors at closed door events. The council budget has been incredibly tight this year and so there is no new money for key services like road repairs or street cleaning. Yet the Independent administration that runs Merthyr Council seems to think it is acceptable to treat councillors and their guests to evenings of food and wine - all at the taxpayers expense."

Amy added, "My Lib Dem colleagues and I have taken a principled decision to boycott these events and we will be continuing to campaign to get more council money spent on the services that really matter to local people."