Reading’s opposition Green Party has criticised Labour-run Reading Borough Council after almost £4,600 was spent on food and drinks at this year’s annual council meeting.
The party is calling on the authority to end the practice of providing free hospitality at the event, arguing the money should instead be directed towards frontline services or community causes.
According to figures released by the Green Party, the council spent £4,046.25 on an evening buffet for 155 invited guests and a further £551.85 on welcome drinks for 90 guests, bringing the total hospitality bill to £4,598.10.
Green Party leader and opposition councillor Rob White said the spending was difficult to justify while the council faced financial pressures.
“At a time when Labour-run Reading Council is under significant financial pressure and asking residents to pay more and accept reductions to services, it is difficult to justify spending £5,000 of public money on free food and drinks at the Council AGM,” he said.
“The council is facing major budget challenges, while residents continue to deal with rising costs and cuts to essential services. Every pound of public money should be carefully prioritised.”
Mr White said councillors and invited guests should pay for their own refreshments or that the event could instead be run as a fundraiser.
“An alternative approach would be to run the AGM hospitality as a ticketed event, with any proceeds donated directly to the local food bank,” he said.
“That would turn a routine civic occasion into something that actively supports residents in need. I’m sure the local food bank would appreciate a £5,000 donation.
“At a time when many households in Reading are struggling, public spending should reflect the realities people are facing.”
The Green Party said it wanted the council to review its approach to civic hospitality and consider whether the money could be better spent supporting residents experiencing financial hardship.
Reading Borough Council has been approached for comment.
