Council wastes Thousands on New Year Calendars

5.57.59pm GMT Mon 23rd Jan 2006

Manchester Liberal Democrats have criticised the Council for spending over £18,000 on New Year calendars, instead of essential public services.

Opposition Cabinet Member Councillor Paul Shannon said:

"The Council should be concentrating on improving basic services, not wasting thousands on gimmicky literature."

Figures uncovered by Cllr Shannon include £2,870 spent on "Energy Saving" calendars, and £11,711 on "Growing Older with Attitude" calendars; as well as £560 on "School Budget Calendars" and £1,500 on 1,000 Childrens Fund calendars.

Councillor Shannon added:

"This is a typical example of Labour's skewed priorities. Who would have imagined they could spend this much on unnecessary calendars?"

"Manchester Liberal Democrats oppose waste and extravagance at the Town Hall, so I'm asking the Council to spend a little less on pointless calendars that will only end up in the bin, and put the savings into cleaner streets and more recycling."

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