David Heath
Main Page: David Heath (Liberal Democrat - Somerton and Frome)(10 years, 2 months ago)
Commons ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text
Mr Pickles
I can see no reason why not. In terms of procurement, my Department has looked at helping small and medium-sized firms, and I think it is very important that local councils support local businesses.
Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD)
Somerset county council is reported to be paying one officer £318,500 through a limited company owned by him and his wife, his deputy £275,000, and has 15 other posts paying over £96,000. At the same time it says it has not got the money to run our services. Does the Secretary of State think that is right?
Mr Pickles
Obviously, the possibility of applying for the job is something one would not rule out. I think that is an absolutely outrageous use of public money. People should pay their taxes in a normal way, and it is an abuse of process for that to have happened.