A CABINET member at Redbridge Council has been accused of not reading his own budget, after he expressed surprise at plans to privatise ownership of an historic civic hall.

Cllr Michael Stark announced during a council meeting last night that he had "just noticed" plans to sell off Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford Green, despite them being in authority documents which he himself approved as a leading cabinet member.

Opposition Cllr Richard Hoskins said the revelation was "alarming", adding: "it makes me wonder what other items he has approved without looking."

The proposals, which have been greeted with outrage by some councillors in Woodford, would see a private company take over the running of the iconic hall in an attempt to increase revenue and save the authority an estimated £70,000 a year.

Currently the hall, in Broadmead Road, hosts a large number of civic, council and private functions.

Cllr Richard Hoskins said he was very alarmed by the plans.

He added: "The civic hall is the last and most prestigious in the borough.

"These proposals fail to show any improvement or benefit to the local community.

"I'm very concerned that the borough and the community will lose control of this hall.

"The staff work their socks off for this place, they should not just be slung out."

Despite his surprise at the plans, Cllr Stark said: "I'm seriously concerned about this. It's a very important venue for the whole borough.

"The hall is run very efficiently by the council members and its staff."

Conservative Cllr Robin Turbefield defended Cllr Stark, saying: "This is the first time I've seen this too and that says it all."

Opposition Cllr Hugh Cleaver agreed the plans were "worrying."

He said: "I am concerned what would happen in terms of service provision.

"This privatisation is very euphemistically described in the documents."

According to the proposals laid out in a council report: "Sir James Hawkey Hall is a very popular venue with an occupancy rate of 70 per cent.

"The cost of operating the hall is met from income however if the hall were to be operated as a fully commercial undertaking officers are of the view that significant extra income could be forthcoming.

"A commercial operator would maximise their income potential by, for example, offering catering and alcohol as part of the hire.

"It would be inappropriate for a local authority to undertake this activity itself and as a consequence this proposal would see the hall leased as a going concern complete with all forth-coming bookings including mayoral, civic and official council business.

"The savings identified represents the premium anticipated from the lessee.

"Sir James Hawkey Hall will still be available for council use, however the usage and booking will effect the premium anticipated."

Councillors agreed to pass on their concerns about the plans to the cabinet.

The plans form part of the cabinet's budget for the new financial year, which must first be approved by the full council.