Council offers £2,000 for Wellingborough jubilee parties
A council in Northamptonshire has offered to pay £2,000 towards the cost of street parties to toast the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Wellingborough Council has agreed to pay £100 of the insurance costs for the first 20 community groups that apply.
Council leader Paul Bell said the move is designed to make it easy for people to celebrate.
However, the opposition said the money should not come from the council and could be better spent.
A spokeswoman for Wellingborough council said that insurance for a street party was recommended and said the offer of up to £100 should be sufficient to cover cost of an event for up to 200 people.
Mr Bell said: "A street party is a great opportunity for families and friends to get together and celebrate an occasion in a really fun and traditional way.
"We understand that many people will want to make the most of the Diamond Jubilee and the extended holiday weekend to enjoy a street party, but could be put off by the costs and complexities of insurance.
"We want people to be able to easily organise their party and have a good time without this worry."
But Councillor Tim Maguire, of the Labour group, said: "When we are constantly being told that the council doesn't have any money, and when the council is making redundancies like it is, you don't expect to hear that cash is being handed out for street parties.
"I am all for a party, but I don't think the funds should come from local authorities.
"I think it could be better spent."