A council has been slammed over what has been described as a “big waste of money” after approving a spending splurge of £30,000 to award thousands of children commemorative medals as part of celebrations marking the city’s 800th anniversary.
The plan was backed by Salisbury City Council at a full meeting, despite objections from several councillors who questioned whether public money should be used on such a trivial project.
Around 7,250 children aged from nine months to 18 years are estimated to live within Salisbury parish.
The proposed medals will form part of the city’s 800th anniversary celebrations in 2027, commemorating the Royal Charter granted to Salisbury by King Henry III in 1227.
The council has agreed to use money from its general reserve to commission, manufacture and package the medals.
Officers will now seek quotations for up to 10,500 medallions, allowing additional pieces to be produced if required.
The proposed design could feature either Henry III or King Charles III on the front.
The reverse may carry Salisbury’s coat of arms or an image of the cathedral spire, alongside the wording “Salisbury 800 Charter Anniversary 1227–2027”.
Salisbury is celebrating 800 years in 2027 | GETTYWard councillors are expected to help distribute the medals through nurseries, pre-schools and schools across the city during 2027.
Councillor Brian Dalton, who proposed the motion alongside Councillor Sam Charleston, defended the initiative during the full council meeting.
He said the medals would give children a tangible connection to the anniversary, and allow them to feel part of the city-wide celebrations.
Councillor Sharon Rideout raised concerns about the environmental impact of producing the medals, and questioned whether children attending schools outside Salisbury might be excluded from receiving one.
Meanwhile, Independent councillor Annie Riddle also opposed the expenditure, saying she believed there were other ways the council could use £30,000 of taxpayers’ money.
Councillor Patricia Podger similarly voted against the plan, warning that the medals could simply be lost after being distributed.
Responding to criticism of the expenditure, Councillor Dalton acknowledged that £30,000 was a significant sum, but said it represented a relatively small proportion of the council’s overall budget.
“I am very disappointed with some of the comments I have heard from councillors,” he said, arguing that the initiative extended beyond individual schools.
Next years events mark eight centuries since the city received its Royal Charter
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SALISBURY COUNCIL
“This will be something special for the kids to remember,” he added.
Despite the objections, councillors voted by 10 votes to six to approve the proposal.
The council will now move to the procurement stage, with manufacturers invited to provide prices for producing the medals ahead of the anniversary celebrations.
The commemorative items are intended to be one part of a wider programme of events planned for Salisbury 800 in 2027, marking eight centuries since the city received its Royal Charter.
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