SWINDON Council has cancelled a contract with a firm of private lobbyists, just days after a cabinet minister called the practice corrosive and wasteful.

Eric Pickles, the Secretary of State For Communities And Local Government, said he was determined to end the use of taxpayers’ money on political lobbyists.

He said the job could be done just as well by local politicians and that he would issue new guidance to guard against campaigning with public funds.

In February, the Adver revealed that Swindon Council signed a £129,400 contract with London lobbying firm Connect PA in July 2009 to secure funding for the town’s regeneration.

The contract was due to run until January 2011 but yesterday the council said it was ending it early.

Mr Pickles said: “Lobbyists are being used to sidestep transparency laws and shadowy figures are peddling more regulation and special favours.

“If local politicians want to change the way Government operates, their council should send a letter or pick up the phone. Councillors can campaign for change at a personal or party political level, rather than throwing away council tax on the corrosive and wasteful practice of government lobbying government.”

Coun Derique Montaut, the leader of the Labour group on Swindon Council, said: “What makes this use of council tax payers’ money worse is that since this London lobbying firm has been hired central Government cuts have been more severe in Swindon than in other areas.”

Coun Dave Wood, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats on Swindon Council, said: “I agree with the coalition that councils should not be throwing council tax money down the drain while lining lobbyists’ pockets. Imagine, for example, what this money would mean for our libraries, playparks or for road safety.”

A Swindon Council spokeswoman said the firm was hired because the council felt Swindon was not receiving the same level of funding compared to other growth areas.

She said the contract was terminated after the change in Government and it was currently serving a one-month notice period, with a further £7,000 expected to be spent.

She said: “This council, like many other public bodies, is facing unprecedented financial pressures, and the early termination of the contract will contribute to the in-year savings that we have to make.

“Since the beginning of the contract we have spent £70,000 with Connect Communications.”