Council bosses have been accused of playing games of “spin and secrecy” after they refused to reveal the cost of repairing an historic Aberdeen building.
Essential repair and refurbishment works are currently being carried out at the Town House, which had initially been due to cost £1.2million.
But once work began on the 150-year-old A-listed building last year, it emerged that rotting wood had been discovered in the iconic clock tower roof – sparking a dispute between Aberdeen City Council and the contractor.
The disagreement has now been resolved, and the Press and Journal understands work is due to be completed by the end of the year.
But now the council has refused to reveal the revised cost of the work, due to commercial sensitivity rules.
Last night councillors called for “transparency” and an end to “secrecy” – arguing that as it public building, residents have the right to know.
Opposition councillor Graham Dickson said: “Now that the contracts have been settled and work is going on it seems utterly wrong that the people of Aberdeen are being prevented from finding out the costs of fixing the Town House.
“After all, the building is owned by the people of Aberdeen, so they should know the costs of maintaining it.
“This smacks of the worst kind of spin and secrecy from this administration.”
Last night, a member of the administration agreed the council ought to be “open and honest” about the project but insisted the decision had nothing to do with party politics.
Tory councillor Ross Thomson, vice-convener of the authority’s finance committee, said: “I think this whole situation has been handled badly, this was sprung on all elected members.
“I think it’s right that we have investment in public buildings like the Town House – the ceiling is falling apart and this work needs to be done or it’s not going to be standing for much longer.
“I think the council needs to be open and honest because it’s not their money, it’s the public’s. If it’s something that can be shared just now then I would be supportive of that.
“I understand that sometimes commercial sensitivity can cause difficulties but I also know that in the past there have been situations where officers have been overly-cautious, I want to hear the rationale behind this decision.
“It’s not something elected members caused, it’s something we are trying to resolve and there’s certainly no spin coming from anyone except the SNP, judging by their comments.”
While the council has said it is legally bound to keep the cost private, a spokeswoman confirmed the repair work was due to be completed on schedule.
She said: “Building and restoration works on the Town House are progressing in accordance with the latest programme of works and are due to be completed to the agreed schedule.”