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How can he justify obscene hotel bill?
I have a great deal of sympathy for Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill. Making decisions away from home, late at night is hard. And sometimes we don't make the best ones.
I have a great deal of sympathy for Lincolnshire County Council leader Martin Hill. Making decisions away from home, late at night is hard. And sometimes we don't make the best ones.Here he is, late on, in central London and he has to decide on staying or going home. However, he happens to be conferencing in one of the most prestigous hotels in London, which he knows is priced well over the allowance he is entitled too. The choice then is to stay and pay the difference or check into one of the numerous hotels nearby. He decides to check into the Intercontinental and then just submit the claim thinking he is not likely to get away with it.
Back in Lincoln, there is a discussion with managers resulting in an agreement that because it was an unusual and unforseen set of circumstances, coupled with the somewhat immodest claim from Cllr Hill himself because he works hard for the council, normal expenses and allowances arrangements can be waived. As leader of the council Cllr Hill could then choose to take the money which he is not entitled to under the allowances scheme or not take it. He decided to take it and defend his actions on the grounds that he is worth it and the office which manages these expenses thinks it is OK.
Next year, there are likely to be significant cuts in the council's budget and possible redundancies. How can Cllr Hill have the authority, morally and practically, to make these tough decisions if he is known as luxury hotel man? More importantly, where does his authority lie to challenge those who try to make claims for benefits and entitlements that they are not entitled too. In fact why not give it a go. Is your bus to school sometimes late or cancelled? Call yourself a taxi and send the bill to Cllr Hill explaining that it was circumstances out of your control and you are worth it.
Finally, 240 quid is, by many of his constituents' standards, an obscene amount of money to be spent on a hotel room for one. For many people this is 2 weeks rent, or a couple of weeks worth of family shopping, or a big part of their council tax bill.
Rob Shorrock
Dudley Road, Grantham
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