A senior Angus councillor has called for a local authority committee to be scrapped after branding it a “terrible waste of public money”.
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather spoke out after resigning from the scrutiny and audit committee.
He has also called for a probe into the wider committee structure within Angus Council, saying “jobs for the boys” cannot be justified.
The body is responsible for corporate governance, risk management, internal audits and reviews of standards and levels of council services.
Mr Fairweather said he did not believe the group was value for money for the taxpayer and that he had resigned “in protest”.
He said: “There are seven meetings a year and they are full of reports which councillors are just asked to note for information.
“But it costs a fortune in terms of having a convener and vice-convener who are both on a salary, 11 other councillors who claim expenses as well as all the cost of officers’ time.
“It is a terrible waste of public money. I think it could be done cheaper, better and make a saving to the public purse.”
Mr Fairweather has taken his concerns to council chief executive Richard Stiff and outlined a different vision of how the committee’s functions could be fulfilled.
A review of the council’s committee structure is due to take place next year.
“I believe the functions of the scrutiny and audit committee could be worthwhile and this is not a criticism of the convener Bob Spink who has put his heart and soul into the role he has been asked to perform,” Mr Fairweather said.
“I just do not believe we need a convener and a vice-convener and all these officers’ time.
“I would prefer a panel of two or three councillors, who could raise any concerns or request reviews to the chief executive.
“The reports could easily be put on other agendas.”
Mr Fairweather also highlighted the short agendas and running times of the development and enterprise group on which he is also a member.
He said: “We are spending a fortune on consultants to see how we can save money over the next three years. Well I’ve given them a way to save money.”
Arbroath independent councillor Bob Spink, convener of scrutiny and audit, said he believed it fulfilled an “important function” which could save taxpayer money.
He said: “This is quite out of the blue because Mr Fairweather wouldn’t tell me his reasons for resigning from the committee at the time.
“The scrutiny and audit committee performs a very important function within the council by scrutinising various reports.
“We have also undertaken reviews on pothole repairs and on waste and have another two reviews planned on improved partnership working and on the Transforming Angus programme to ensure we are getting value for money for the council.
“These reviews could save the council money. “The cost of this committee isn’t more than any other.”
Mr Fairweather has been replaced on the scrutiny and audit committee by Forfar independent councillor Ian McLaren.