DURHAM County Council may find it easier than expected to tighten its belt during the impending squeeze on public spending, after axing politicians’ free lunches.

An internal email leaked to The Northern Echo reveals that the council has put a stop to free buffets before and after members’ seminars, because of the number currently taking place.

The message urges councillors to make alternative arrangements, but reminds them that tea, coffee and biscuits will still be available.

In the past, members’ buffets have included taxpayerfunded sandwiches, crisps and fruit.

Mark Wilkes, a Liberal Democrat councillor, said the cutback came days after he complained.

“I’m very pleased my concerns have been acted upon.

We must show the people of County Durham not only that this council is making savings, but also that it accepts a moral duty not to spend money on things which the general public refuse to accept as being necessary.

“How many people get their lunch provided free? It’s inappropriate – especially at this time.”

Councillor Wilkes has asked for figures showing how much money the move will save.

With the recession hitting councils in the pocket, finance chiefs at Durham, which spends £1.2bn a year, expect to have to cut more than £60m over the next three years.

Lib Dem councillor Carol Woods refused taxpayerfunded lunches last September, after finding Durham County Council had spent £12,200 on hospitality for councillors in six months.

She said: “Everybody’s having to tighten their belt at the minute and the council should do the same.

“There’s no reason why they council should provide food for its councillors.”

Last year, an investigation by The Northern Echo revealed that North-East local authorities spent at least £135,000 on tea and biscuits for council meetings in one year.

A Durham County Council spokeswoman said because of a large increase in the number of seminars aimed at updating members on council issues, caused by sheer weight of business, it was necessary to review whether it was appropriate to continue providing a small buffet.

Meanwhile, the county council’s Lib Dems have called for a council tax freeze for next year.

The authority’s cabinet will discuss council tax later this month.

County council leader Simon Henig said the issue of a free buffet should be reassessed once the current glut of seminars had passed.