A Dundee councillor has launched a second bid to end booze-ups in the city chambers to protect hard-pressed services to the needy.
However, council leader Ken Guild thinks Derek Scott’s plans to ban alcohol would see the council branded as “cheapskates” and would insult visiting dignitaries and potential investors.
Conservative Derek Scott thinks it is out of order for the council to provide alcohol to visitors and to elected members especially as the authority is trying to save £7.6 million to balance its budget.
To reach that target, councillors will next week be asked to cut almost £1 million of support to charities, including adults with learning needs, disabilities, mental health problems and homelessness, and services to vulnerable children.
Yet the SNP administration is proposing to spend 30% more on alcohol. The drinks bill of £9,000 is tiny in proportion to the overall revenue budget of £350 million, but Mr Scott thinks a principle is at stake.
The lone Tory member, who made a similar bid last year, said: “The amount in the budget for alcohol purchases last year was £6,916, this year it has gone up to £9,000.
“I think people will be surprised by this large increase, particularly when so many other things are being cut, remaining the same or only receiving a nominal inflation allowance.”
He wants the entire £9,000 allowance to corporate and support services for alcohol to be deleted as he thinks an alcohol-free city chambers is a sacrifice worth making in the present circumstances.
He also does not think the council should provide food and refreshments for councillors, which next year has been estimated to cost £7,200.
The budget for other hospitality is another area he would delete to save £28,800; and he thinks £33,000 can be saved through a 1% reduction in energy costs in buildings excluding Dundee House.
Mr Scott’s complete package would save the council £79,000, and he has submitted his proposals for consideration by the policy and resources committee next Thursday.
Mr Guild said: “The people who are coming to civic events and engagements are visiting politicians, dignitaries and potential investors.
“I don’t think they would get a good impression of Dundee if they weren’t offered alcoholic drinks during their visit.”