Farnham Castle: Question to Cabinet from Liberal Democrat Leader Hazel Watson

Question to 5 February Cabinet Meeting from Hazel Watson (Dorking Hills):

Given the public furore by Surrey residents against the two-day residential stay by 26 Conservative Cabinet members and senior officers at Farnham Castle on 5 and 6 November 2012, costing £4,158, and revelations that a a similar event took place at Farnham Castle on 9 and 10 May 2012. Please can you state:

1) How many overnight residential meetings have the Conservative Cabinet held at Council Taxpayers expense during the life of this Council (since May 2009)?

2) What have been the dates and venues for these meetings?

3) What has been the overall cost of these meetings?

4) Will you be cancelling the booking of Farnham Castle for a similar event in June 2013 and confirm that in future Cabinet awaydays will all be held at County Council buildings or premises of neighbouring Councils free of charge to save Council Taxpayers' money and as recommended by the Secretary of State?