The York Council spent around £4000 on a workshop for its Cabinet members  last December.

The 2 day workshop was held in secret and no details of its objectives – or feedback on its achievements – have emerged.

A bill from Consultant John Tizard was spotted by an eagled eyed resident when she perused the Councils accounts

It is not unusual for executive committees to consider how they want to operate – and how to go about achieving objectives – at the beginning of their term of office.

But the York Cabinet is close to the end of its life and expenditure like this – and the way that it has been authorised – is open to criticism.