Stoke on Trent City Council defends office refurb costs
Opposition voices worry over council's spending
Stoke-on-Trent City Council has spent more than £350,000 on renovating the fourth floor of its Civic Centre headquarters, including new furniture and electrical upgrades.
The council has faced criticism from opposition members for this expenditure, particularly given its history of requesting over £60 million in emergency bailout loans over the last three years.
Councillor Dan Jellyman, leader of the Reform UK group, expressed concerns over the spending, labeling it as irresponsible in light of the current cost of living crisis.
He said: “At a time when the public is facing a cost of living crisis, councils spending money to make themselves more comfortable is not responsible stewardship of taxpayers’ money.
"The fact that Labour councillors signed this off whilst asking for their third bailout in a row shows they haven’t a clue.”
The council justified the spending by stating that the refurbishment is necessary to ensure staff have a suitable working environment.
The spokesperson explained the need for the update, as the fourth floor hadn’t been substantially refurbished for over 20 years and required improvements to meet modern health and safety standards.
“Staff need a suitable and safe working environment, with the right facilities and equipment to carry out their roles effectively and provide services to residents," the spokesperson said.
The council also conducted essential roof repairs costing £169,000, described as critical maintenance that could not be postponed.