A TORY council leader has been slated for buying a fancy coffee machine and getting leather furniture for his new office.
The row broke out in South Ayrshire Council last week as the local SNP group accused Tory councillors of lavishing luxury upon themselves amid a cost-of-living crisis.
The accusations follow around £31,000 being spent on 15 offices in County Buildings in Ayr.
Opposition members have pointed the finger at council leader Martin Dowey, saying that while the offices get upgraded, constituents have to choose between “heating and eating”.
SNP representatives in the council have also flagged a new Tassimo coffee machine being installed in Dowey’s new workspace.
Dowey refutes allegations that thousands have been splurged on new furniture for the building, claiming instead it was sourced from the County Building’s basement.
In a bid to mitigate the poor perception of the new coffee machine, he spoke of how he offered members of the public a hot drink when he hosted them for face-to-face meetings.
SNP Ayr East Councillor Chris Cullen has claimed that the council leader’s offices have been completely revamped since the May elections, stating that new wood panelling has been installed to replace wallpaper.
Cullen told Ayrshire Live: “Constituents are choosing between heating and eating and the Tory leader is choosing soft furnishings and luxuries.
“At the beginning of the previous administration, there was only painting done as the carpets were replaced previously.”
Cullen has also alleged that the new provost has had his working space upgraded with a new “brown leather suite”.
Dowey hit back at the claims, saying: “Fifteen offices received a £31,000 makeover of new carpets, painted walls etc. There is a £40,000 budget per annum for the political corridor.
“This money has not been spent in over four years.
"It is normal to do any works to offices during summer recess and all offices were walked by a service lead and assistant director who agreed what works would be given the go-ahead or not.”
And on the coffee machine, Dowey added: “In terms of the coffee machine, everyone will tell you that I drink tea. I got the coffee machine for important meetings.
“There is no cafeteria here. I wanted to add that nice touch. The coffee machine cost £90."
A council spokesperson confirmed £31,000 had been spent on upgrading the office spaces.
The spokesperson said: “We can confirm £31,000 has been spent to refurbish 15 offices over the summer.
"Over the last four years, £3.1m has been spent to refurbish county buildings, including roofing repairs; re-surfacing of outdoor courtyard area; toilet upgrades; security door upgrades; canteen upgrades; electrical upgrades; window replacement; boiler replacement and office modernisation.”
