Anger over BlackBerries for the 'chosen few'
Published Date:
03 July 2008
By Andrew Keddie
CASH-strapped Scottish Borders Council is to spend more than £5,000 providing members of its executive with state-of-the-art smartphones.
The hand-held BlackBerries, which offer internet access and push emailing facilities, will be given to the 12 councillors who hold special responsibilities in the ruling administration. Council leader David Parker said the cost of the devices was £2,233, with annual running costs of £2,988.
Councillor David Paterson was angry that only the “chosen few” were being offered the BlackBerries. “This is an absolute disgrace,” said the Independent opposition member for Hawick, claiming SBC chief executive David Hume had indicated in the past that all 34 councillors would be given the devices.
“I thought all councillors were equal, but this is clearly not the case,” he told last week’s full council meeting.
Mr Parker responded: “The distribution is based on those members who have additional responsibilities.
“If we think there is a case for extending provision to all councillors, this may be considered at a future time,” added the SBC leader.
The full article contains 184 words and appears in Southern Reporter newspaper.
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Last Updated:
02 July 2008 10:10 AM
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Source:
Southern Reporter
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Location:
Borders
