Aberdeen City Council has spent thousands of pounds teaching local politicians how to “speed read” paperwork.
Elected members were given lessons in how to quickly digest documents and reports, and taking notes during meetings and surgeries.
Last night, a spokesman for the Taxpayers’ Alliance attacked the move as a “waste of money” at a time of tight budget constraints across local government.
The city authority spent more than £4,000 on courses in the last financial year, records show.
The total included the cost of media training, which was made available to all 43 members.
A city council spokeswoman yesterday defended the practice, which she said has been in place for several years.
But Andy Silvester, campaign manager for the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Every penny wasted on these unnecessary reading and writing courses could have been spent on essential frontline services.
“Perhaps a maths course in not wasting taxpayers’ money would have been more appropriate.”
Council finance convener Willie Young insisted the sessions were good value.
He said: “If you think about the volume of paperwork that councillors have to read, it is important that we assist elected members to make sure that they are making the right decisions for the right reasons.
“Reports include things that can become council policy, and elected members need to make informed decisions.
“In my opinion it is money well spent.”
Figures published as part of city councillors’ allowances and expenses for 2013/14 include £1,517 on speed writing, £950 on speed reading, £215 on a Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability Session Event and £1,299 for a media training seminar.
Use of the civic car was also made public separately from the main expenses table for elected members, which was featured in the Press and Journal last week.
More than £21,000 was billed for trips in the official vehicle, which is used for all engagements where the Lord Provost or deputising councillor is required to wear the chain of office.
The vast majority of costs – £17,891 – were credited to Lord Provost George Adam. However, former council leader Barney Crockett ran up a £1,144 bill and housing and environment convener Neil Cooney £600.
Deputy Provost John Reynolds only clocked up £241, despite being the natural replacement for Mr Adam at a civic event.