A CAMPAIGNER has branded council spending “worrying” after his party discovered a spend of over £4m this year.

Eastleigh Labour Party claims Eastleigh Borough Council has spent £4,223,917 this year on Consultants Fees.

This is part of an ongoing investigation into council spending.

Items highlighted include what appears to be horse riding lessons from Equine Access Limited, and £2m paid to PMC Construction Development Services.

The party also says thousands of pounds show as being given to “redacted recipients”.

Eastleigh Labour has reportedly made enquiries to the council, but no clarification has been provided as to why this money has been spent in this way.

Campaigner and senior officer at Eastleigh Labour, Sam Jordan, said: “We have a right to know where Eastleigh’s money is going and why it is being spent this way.

“We are in the midst of a global pandemic which is crippling our local economy – the Liberal Democrat-run council is happily closing Eastleigh’s Market and High Streets but is failing to provide answers on where and why public money is being spent like this.

“I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks it’s a total scandal.”

A Council spokesperson said: “The Council employs specialist contractors to achieve best value to help all our residents.

“Some of those specialist skills are required for individual projects, and not as permanent staff, just like a homeowner pays tradespeople to do work on their home but doesn’t employ them all year round.”