Surrey County Council's consultancy bill DOUBLES under the Tories

Liberal Democrat county councillors have expressed their concern after it was revealed that Surrey County Council's spending on consultants has more than doubled from the previous year.

Following an information request to the County Council by Cllr Hazel Watson, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, it was revealed that spending on consultants rose from £305,000 in 2015/16 to £663,420 in 2016/17 - a staggering rise of 118%. The maximum day rate paid was a shocking £1800 per day - meaning that at least one consultant working for the Tory administration was earning the equivalent of £468,000 a year.

Cllr Hazel Watson said today:

"At a time when the County Council is under extreme financial pressure and cutting vital services, spending on consultants should not be going up and certainly not by 118%. The Conservative administration cannot on the one hand say they have been forced to cut services because there is a lack of funding and at the same time double spending in areas such as this.

"This use of consultants needs to be brought under control and scrutinised to assess whether this expenditure is really necessary. Liberal Democrats county councillors are calling for the County Council to dramatically reduce its spending in this area and instead focus on providing value for money for Surrey residents whilst reducing unnecessary costs".