Councillor condemns 'bonkers' spending on consultancy fees

A COUNCILLOR has condemned “bonkers” spending on consultants who will help decide where £20 million in Government cash should be spent in a part of Gedling over the next decade.

- By JOE LOCKER Local Democracy Reporter

In 2024 the then-Conservative Government announced a wide area covering the greater Carlton area would receive £20 million over a 10-year period for much-needed improvements.

A board was set up to decide where the money should be spent, and while the work stopped under the new Labour government, it restarted with an expanded scope shortly afterwards following a review.

The board, comprised of chairman David Stewart, local politicians and community leaders, has since been drawing up plans on where best to spend the money.

One section of a document showing where money is intended to be spent reveals £60,000 will be made available to commission consultants “to enable the board to leverage further funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA)”

However, Conservative Councillor Sam Smith, who represents Trent Valley ward, is frustrated over progress and planned spending so far.

He told a meeting to discuss the board’s progress: “I've never felt so deflated over grant funding coming to Gedling than I do right now. I could cry for the residents and I am genuine about that.