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True cost of councillor bookmarks was three times more than council said
CALDERDALE Council gave misleading information about the cost of its controversial bookmarks, we can reveal today.
A request by the Courier under the Freedom of Information Act shows figures originally given to us were more than three times adrift.
A total of 900 cardboard bookmarks featuring the pictures and policies of six leading councillors – pictured above – were produced to raise awareness of equality issues. When Kersten England, the former head of Calderdale Council's safer and stronger communities department, defended their production, she said they had cost just 50.
But information from the FOI shows the art and design work cost 32.50 and the printing was 135 – a total of 167.50.
In addition, officer time was spent putting them together.
Ms England, now chief executive of York City Council, was unavailable for comment. A member of staff said she was busy in meetings. John Ansbro, Calderdale's acting director of safer and stronger communities, said: "The council gave an approximate figure in good faith. This figure only reflected the design and officer time, not the print cost. I would like to apologise for any confusion this caused."
When the Courier first highlighted the bookmarks, they came in for widespread criticism. "Who the hell would want a bookmark with a councillor on it?" asked Diane Park (Ind, Elland).
The messages on each councillor's bookmark read – Peter Wardhaugh: "Our differences are what make us who we are. We need to drive the changes we want in society, understand each other and enrich our lives."
Nader Fekri: "It's my role to be a champion for all our diverse communities – to respect and celebrate everyone's achievements."
Ian Cooper: "Communities are complex and diverse. This can cause separations and tensions. I am determined to show we can bring people together."
Arshad Mahmood: "I will work to help us all become closer, build our society and live in harmony."
Helen Rivron: "It is about creating a society where everyone has the chance to achieve and go about their lives without fear."
Colin Stout: "This is about people – how they can be themselves, live their lives and enjoy all that they have to offer each other to make this a great place to live."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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