A DECISION to issue councillors with mobile phones has been slammed by a leading Liberal Democrat.

David Foster, deputy leader of the Lib Dem group on Blackburn with Darwen Council, has condemned the move.

He claims it costs the council £34,000 each year to issue all 62 councillors with a mobile phone.

The row comes in a year where around £4 million worth of cuts are being made from the new unitary authority's budgets.

According to the Darwen councillor the move means an extra £1 added to each council tax bill in the borough.

The phones are part of a £250,000 package of perks for councillors approved dispite a storm of protest last year.

Members of Blackburn with Darwen Council can also apply for lap-top computers and Yuppie style personal organisers. The Lib Dems have also slammed the leading Labour group for giving councillors free tickets for concerts at King George's Hall.

Coun Foster said: "Nearly £1 extra goes on council tax bills to pay for these mobile phones.

"It is a complete waste of money and no Liberal Democrat has asked for one."

He added: "It may be justifiable to provide these for a few key people, like the leader of the council.

"But to make them available to all councillors is a waste. The money could be better spent elsewhere and we have proposed cutting this expenditure in future years.

"We hope that the Conservative and Labour Parties will support our proposals and show they have the interests of the council tax payer at heart."

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