AN ‘enormous’ amount of money is to be spent on recruiting a bilingual chef for this month’s Eisteddfod.

£10,000 has been set aside by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) for the services of a Welsh-speaking chef who will deliver cookery demonstrations and promote local produce at the National Eisteddfod, prompting suggestions that the money would be better spent elsewhere.

A report submitted to MCC’s Audit Committee on 30th June stated that the chef was chosen as there was only one person with the required cookery and presentation skills, who is fully bilingual and has the required extensive knowledge of local produce.

The decision has prompted questions about whether the money is being spent properly. Councillor Dimitri Batrouni, leader of MCC’s Labour Group, told the Beacon that he feels the money could be spent on better projects. Cllr Batrouni said: “I question whether this money is being spent wisely.

“There is cross-party support for the Eisteddfod, it is a great event to have in Monmouthshire. Many people will be drawn to it without the council spending this enormous amount on a chef, especially while council services are under severe pressure.”

The £10,000 would come from European money, with grant funding already secured as part of the Welsh Government’s Rural Development Programme, funded by the European Union.

Usually this money is aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas in sectors such as agriculture, rural communities, and climate action.

Cllr Batrouni added: “I believe this money could be better spent in those communities who feel undervalued and neglected.”

County Cllr John Prosser, member for Abergavenny, asked: “How long is the Eisteddfod, a week? Does that mean that someone is being paid £10,000 for a week’s work?”

The National Eisteddfod takes place in Abergavenny between 29th July and 6th August.