£8.4m councils' bill for help is attacked

More than £8.4 million of taxpayers' cash was spent by councils asking for advice from consultants in the Black Country last year, it was revealed today.

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) show that most authorities increased their spending on outside help in 2008/09 compared to the previous year.

The West Midlands Taxpayers' Alliance say chiefs on big salaries should not have to pay outsiders to do their jobs for them.

Wolverhampton, Dudley and Walsall councils racked up bills totalling £8,421,531 in the last financial year.

Wolverhampton paid most at £3,592,587. Dudley paid £2,575,105 and Walsall £2,253,839. Sandwell refused an FOI request for information on spending.

Staffordshire paid £5,460,000 on private advisors in 2008/09. West Midlands TaxPayers' Alliance spokesman Fiona McEvoy said: "Why are taxpayers funding the hefty salaries of supposedly highly-skilled council executives if they can't perform without relying on outside help?"

Councillor Wendy Thompson, Wolverhampton cabinet member for finance, said it was "absolutely right and proper" councils should be accountable for spending on consultants. It was split between major projects helping get investment in schools and improvements in care services.

They appointed Mark Taylor, deputy chief finance officer, to monitor fees.

Dudley Council deputy leader Les Jones said: "We use consultants to fill our shortcomings in professional expertise."

Walsall Council cabinet member for finance and personnel, Councillor Chris Towe, said most consultancy money was spent in areas where there was a shortage in expertise and they did not have permanent staff.

Richard Caddy of Staffordshire County Council said the new Tory administration there would take a tougher line on spending on consultants.