Shropshire Council spent £5,000 on a training course for its leader – which included a trip overseas.

But Councillor Keith Barrow has strongly defended the programme as representing “excellent value for money”.

The issue has been raised by a former member of Councillor Barrow’s cabinet, David Roberts, who held the portfolio for local environment and economy.

He asks in a brief written question to Councillor Barrow at next week’s meeting of the full council: “How much did your recent leadership course cost this council?”

In reply, Councillor Barrow defends the course, saying the Leeds Castle Programme was a unique “leadership development experience” run for council leaders and chief executives by the Local Government Leadership Centre.

Councillor Barrow said that participants attend 10 training days in three blocks. One of those included a trip to Ireland for an “in-depth study” of how other countries were tackling the “big challenges” facing local government.

Each group of 20 participants is selected to attend on the basis of having the potential to be the best in their field. Faculty members contributing to the programme include world class authors, academics and leaders from the private and public sectors.

In his reply, Councillor Barrow says: “The cohort I’m part of includes, for example, the leaders of Cornwall and Somerset county councils.

“We have deepened our understanding of the connection between good leadership and the success of a council, and the locality it serves.”

He quotes the slogan ‘Great leaders make great places’ and says the total of the programme is £8,000 but the cost for participants is £5,000, with the balance funded from Government grant.

Councillor Barrow adds: “Given the quality of the programme, its successes, and its benefits for local councils, this represents excellent value for money.

“The programme is just one example of the investment this council is making in developing all elected members to be confident and capable in their roles,” he added.

“This will ensure that our towns and villages in Shropshire get the high quality of community leadership they need and deserve.”

By Dave Morris