£9k event at The Public berated as a waste

A council-run event at controversial Black Country arts centre The Public costing £9,000 was today branded a waste of time and taxpayers' cash.

The event, which was attended by around 200 people at the £72 million West Bromwich venue, was to celebrate the achievements of Sandwell's 15 "Extended Services Core Offer Partnerships".

The partnerships are made up of schools, children's centres, the police, community groups and other organisations offering services for children out of school hours.

But an insider at the council today said last Thursday's event was nothing more than "an internal pat on the back."

The worker, employed as a Core Officer Partnership co-ordinator, said: "At a time when the council is facing mass redundancies and money is being lost, it seemed like a colossal waste of time and money.

"It was an internal pat on the back that served no purpose. It made the officers at the council look good but what was the point?

"Why do we have to be rewarded just for doing our job? It doesn't happen for binmen or firemen so why does it happen at the council? It is this sort of thing that makes councils appear out of touch.

"Sandwell is such a deprived area and that money could be so better spent in schools or the community."

Sandwell Council said the event cost £9,331 and attracted organisations from the rest of the country.

Cabinet member for children and young people Councillor Ian Jones said: "Children and young people were at the heart of this event, showcasing their talents and achievements, acting as roving reporters and telling us what they want in their local communities.

"It allowed people to share good practice and recognised the fact Sandwell is leading the country in the quality of its services for children and young people and has received national recognition from Canterbury Christ Church University, who were present at the event. The feedback we have had from the event has been excellent."