Fury at costly credit crunch conference

A credit crunch conference is being held at the controversial Black Country arts centre The Public – and visitors are being charged £50 for a ticket.

But those attending can also get in to the event in West Bromwich for free if they carry out four hours of voluntary work.

The Sandwell Health Other Economic Summit (Shoes) is taking place next Thursday and Friday at the pink and black gallery in New Street with around 100 people expected to attend.

This summit, organised by Sandwell Primary Care Trust (PCT), will focus on the economy, and speakers will be presenting their views on issues such as the credit crunch, poverty and welfare rights in the region. But the move has been questioned by campaign group The Taxpayers' Alliance, which says there there is already plenty of information available.

Spokeswoman Fiona McAvoy said: "It seems bizarre that this PCT are laying on a conference at taxpayers' expense and then charging those who attend this hefty amount, especially when the purpose of the event is to assist those struggling with the credit crunch.

"What's even more strange is why the NHS are arranging this at all when a variety of councils and government agencies already have a vast amount of information and assistance available to members of the public.

"This duplication is costing ratepayers at a difficult time – the PCT should concentrate on its delivery of frontline medical services instead".

The PCT is spending £5,000 on the two-day conference, which has come from a grant from the Teaching Public Health Network of the West Midlands.

Organiser Dr John Middleton¬, director of public health for Sandwell, defended the cost, saying: "This year's conference is even more important than ever before, following an unprecedented 12 months which has seen the collapse of the world's financial systems.

"This has caused tremendous uncertainty and insecurity for many. As the force of the global phenomenon unfolds, the impact may be felt in every living room and every high street.

"The Shoes conference, which celebrates its eleventh anniversary this year, is a highly prestigious event which not only attracts international speakers and great minds to the borough, but has proved itself to be a worthwhile investment and great asset to the people of Sandwell."

A Time Bank scheme is being organised where people can work off the £50 entrance cost by completing four hours of voluntary work – including gardening work in the neighbourhood, offering people lifts or help with shopping, and even story telling.