“Ruthin Town Council, read the room” says ex-councillor over ‘£1000 buffet’

A former councillor has criticised Ruthin Town Council for spending £1,000 on a buffet during a cost-of-living crisis.

Ethan Jones joined Ruthin Town Council in April 2021 but resigned on July 7 this year after he said he was unhappy about the council’s culture.

Mr Jones published his resignation letter online, which fully stated his reasons, and has now criticised the council for spending £1,000 on a buffet at a time when many are struggling with the cost of living.

According to the July minutes published on Ruthin Town Council’s website, £1,000 was paid to Ann Jones for the provision of a buffet lunch on civic Sunday.

Ruthin Town Council also paid £285 to Leonardo’s Delicatessen Ltd
for a buffet lunch in March.

Mr Jones believes the money could have been better spent helping people struggling in the community.
“There was a service for the mayor and councillors and invited guests, and the other buffet was for the Falklands anniversary,” he said.

“The events were open to everybody, but if it’s not advertised, people aren’t going to know.
“When people are struggling to afford day-to-day things, and the town council is spending £1,000 on a buffet, it seems very out of touch to me.

“They are not reading the room. I certainly think it is pretty inappropriate, to be honest. The Ruthin foodbank is very well used, but it’s only open on Thursday. The demand is pretty high.”

He added: “The money could be better spent on pretty much anything other than a buffet for councillors and their guests. It doesn’t sit well with me. It was the same at the annual general meeting. A buffet was laid on there. I think I was the only councillor who didn’t take part for that reason. It’s an inappropriate use of money.”

A spokeswoman for Ruthin Town Council said there was nobody available for comment at this time.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter