ON the face of it, transferring the election count from Bolton Arena to the town hall and saving £15,000 seems a good idea. But, as ever, the devil is in the detail.
What is not accounted for is the cost of using the town hall - staffing, set up - and the other costs - road closures and suspension of parking, to allow ballot boxes to be brought in.
There is also the loss of any revenue from commercial bookings that cannot take place. All reasons given, incidentally, when the council justified switching the count to Bolton Arena a few years ago.
Also, the council has just agreed to give the arena a "rolling loan" for refurbishment, so any loss of income will affect its viability.
In other words, like all budget cuts, the full details and consequences need to be considered, not just the headline. All is not what it might seem, hence my scepticism.
Cllr John Walsh, Leader of the Conservative Group, Bolton Council
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