In a week where Perth and Kinross Council chiefs blasted austerity for forcing cuts upon them, SNP members voted through an £850,000 improvement programme for refitting and refurbishing the council chamber.
Last week SNP Council Leader Ian Miller stated that “Nothing will be safe, we will try to fight against job losses” but at the same time he was busy pushing through spending plans to buy councillors new chairs and tables.
The Conservative group on the council voted against these lavish plans insisting that funds should be directed elsewhere to essential services.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP, Murdo Fraser, has also criticised the SNP administration for talking tough on cuts whilst spending heavily to relocate and aggrandize their own chamber.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“SNP Councillors have some nerve to pontificate about austerity and job losses while at the same time spending big to relocate the council chamber and refit it with new chairs and tables, a move that seems wholly unnecessary.
“Local groups and charities that rely on Council grants to help support vulnerable residents will be left wondering why the SNP voted to splash the cash on smartening up their offices whilst they are left struggling for funding.
“The Conservative group at the Council voted against these plans believing them to be wholly unnecessary and I would urge the SNP to publically justify this type of spending when budgets are judged to be so tight.”