Fresh questions have been raised over this month’s ‘Gunpowder Plod’ fireworks event after it was revealed that the Council did not receive any rental payment from the company behind the event.

City of York Council gave organisers ‘Rat Race Adventures’ use of the Knavesmire venue for no charge. This subsidy was offered in the expectation that profit in future years, though crucially not this year, would be shared. However, it is unclear what will happen to this arrangement after the event received widespread criticism and reportedly left many visitors unhappy.

Visitors complained of two hour long queues at food stalls, a delay of an hour for the start of the fireworks display, a delayed start for the 5km race, and a bonfire which had burnt out before people arrived. In response to the criticism ‘Rat Race Adventures’ promised to donate £5,000 to charity.

Councillor Nigel Ayre, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Leisure & Culture, commented:

“This rental deal means council taxpayers effectively subsidised a private company to run an event which appears to have been a complete shambles. Furthermore, the deal means that despite leaving so many disappointed, the company is likely to have made a healthy profit. A profit which the taxpayers will not see a penny of.

“10,000 ticket sales alone would have brought in over £150,000. Factoring in car park charging and food and drink sales means that even after costs and the charity contribution are taken away, the company is likely to have made a significant profit – all aided by the free venue. It seems a private business has seized on a naive cabinet member’s desperation, taken the Council’s freebie, put on a reportedly second-rate event, and still made a nice profit while any future ‘shared profit’ seems unlikely as it is doubtful they will return next year. No wonder taxpayers are unhappy.

“Just like last year’s ‘Winter Wonderland’, an event the Council is still waiting to receive rent for, the lack of financial acumen and sheer naivety of the Council is astonishing. Coming just days after the disappointment of the Illuminating York festival serious questions have to be asked of the Labour Cabinet Member in charge, Sonja Crisp. Given that the Council promoted and subsidised the event she should have ensured it was properly scrutinized and she can’t now just wash her hands of all responsibility”.