Lib Dem Group Boycott Shepway Council Feast

12.00.00am GMT Sun 14th Dec 2008

All members of the Liberal Democrats on Shepway District Council will not attend the Chairman's Christmas Function scheduled for the evening of 17th December. The move is in the light of the severe economic downturn and the fact that the Council has announced it must find £1.4 million of savings next year.

Leader of the Lib Dem group, Cllr Lynne Beaumont, said:

"People and businesses are facing really hard times. Even the much loved Rainbow Centre is struggling to raise funds. The idea that elected Councillors should all gather and dine on fine food and wine at the Council Tax payer's expense is repulsive. The money that this is costing should either be saved or given to a local worthy charitable cause like the Rainbow Centre."

Peter Carroll, Lib Dem Cllr for Cheriton said:

"Councillors are there to help people with problems and to contribute to the civic direction of the town - not eat drink and be merry when budgets are under pressure and local people and charitable groups are struggling. How can elected Councillors feed at the public expense at a time like this - it's simply not on."