MSP hits out at council spending money on re-locating Perth chambers when considering millions in cuts

Perth and Kinross Council has been slammed for spending almost £10 million on office refurbishment while warning cuts to services could be much deeper than expected.

The Courier understands budget cuts, estimated at £12 million, could be closer to £20 million.

The final figure will be settled following a meeting next week.

Murdo Fraser MSP said the authority must keep a tight rein on the £9.7 million refurbishment of 2 High Street including an £850,000 project to move the council chambers from the 4th to the ground floor.

He said: “With council chiefs telling employees and the public to brace themselves for another round of cuts is it fair or wise to go ahead with £850,000 of spending on upgrading the council chamber?”

Council leader Ian Miller said the local authority is looking at every area where savings can be made due to the UK Government’s austerity programme.

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