LIBERAL Democrat county councillors have expressed concern after it was revealed that Surrey County Council’s spending on consultants has increased by more than 40 per cent from the previous year.

Following a question tabled by Hazel Watson, leader of the Liberal Democrats, it was revealed that spending on consultants has risen from £305,000 in 2015/16 to £431,000 so far in 2016/17, with the bill set to rise further before the end of the financial year.

Day rates ranged from £350 to £1,800 per day – meaning that some consultants were earning the equivalent of £468,000 a year.

Hazel Watson said: “At a time when the Tories are pleading poverty, the council’s consultancy bill should not be going up and certainly not by over 40 per cent.

“The Conservative administration cannot look Surrey residents in the eye and ask them to pay more and more council tax to protect vital services if they haven’t got their own house in order first.

“Liberal Democrats county councillors are calling for the council to dramatically reduce its spending in this area and instead focus on providing value for money for residents while reducing unnecessary costs.”