CABINET members at Tower Hamlets council spent more than �3,000 on an overnight stay at a hotel down the road in Greenwich. Around 10 members of the new ruling Labour group, Chief Executive of the council Kevan Collins and six corporate directors spent

CABINET members at Tower Hamlets council spent more than �3,000 on an overnight stay at a hotel down the road in Greenwich.

Around 10 members of the new ruling Labour group, Chief Executive of the council Kevan Collins and six corporate directors spent the day and night at the luxury Devonport House at a cost of �182 each.

The Town Hall confirmed today that the away day gave members the chance to discuss the future budget which could see them having to scrape together �10m in savings.

Last year opposition leaders lashed out at Labour for spending �2,500 on an away day at the four-star Chilston Park hotel in Maidstone.

But a council spokesperson insisted today bosses had looked at places to stay in Tower Hamlets to ensure "value for money".

She added: "It is vitally important that they meet to discuss the cabinet's priorities and the budget as soon as possible after a cabinet is formed.

"It is usual practice for many boroughs to have an away day with an overnight stay to deal with the business on the agenda, which is all the more important during these challenging times for local government.