Councillor argues £1400 for pair to attend housing conference would be better spent on repairs

Public money to send councillors to conferences was a bone of contention at a recent Dundee City Council committee meeting.

Housing convener John Alexander asked his fellow councillors to approve his and another councillor’s attendance at a housing conference in Glasgow, at a cost of £699 per person.

However, Conservative Derek Scott opposed the idea, arguing the money could be better spent.

He said: “I move that no councillors go to conference. There is no need for councillors to go and the money would be better spent on maintenance at a time when the budget is tight.”

Committee members were divided when it came to the vote, with 15 to 12 voting to send two councillors to the conference.

Councillor Alexander said: “I believe we should go to conferences when there is merit in doing it.

“This one in particular has relevance to my duties as housing convener.”

The Charted Institute of Housing annual conference and exhibition will take place from March 10 to 12, and the estimated costs include travel and subsistence.