Cut out those jollies, says councillor

A North Devon County Councillor has criticised a series of European jollies which have cost the tax payer �45,231. Rodney Cann, Independent member for Fremington, raised the question of overseas visits made by other councillors over a four-year period d

A North Devon County Councillor has criticised a series of "European jollies" which have cost the tax payer �45,231.

Rodney Cann, Independent member for Fremington, raised the question of overseas visits made by other councillors over a four-year period during the previous Lib Dem administration.

He asked current leader Conservative Councillor John Hart what the total cost had been for overseas visits by members representing the county council and what the cost breakdown was by political party.

Mr Hart said the �45,231 was incurred for the period from 2005/06 to 2008/09.

He gave the expenditure breakdown by the different political groups as: Liberal Democrat 68 per cent, Labour 18, Conservatives 14 and independent nil.

Mr Hart also said the administration was now reviewing the council's involvement with European and overseas bodies.

Asked by Mr Cann whether he considered the tax payers of Devon had received value for money from the �45,231 of trips, Mr Hart admitted he could not answer the question.

"I don't believe council tax payers have received value for money," Mr Cann said afterwards.

"I do believe some of them were little more than jollies. I think it's time they were looked at, reviewed and - quite frankly - scrapped.

"It is good news the new administration is going to review the council's involvement. And I think there will be major cutbacks now.