SUFFOLK County Council may be trying to cut around �43million from next year's budget, but it has still splashed out hundreds of pounds on expensive office furniture.

A Montego Bay desk, costing at least �700, has been bought by the council despite the fact the authority has been forced to drastically rein in spending.

The purchase was discovered by a shopper browsing at a furniture store on the outskirts of Ipswich town centre.

Glen Marney, who lives in Needham Market, came across the desk at a store in Ipswich earlier this month and spotted the sold sign, revealing the buyer was none other than Suffolk County Council.

He said the council must have 'money to burn' if they can afford to splash out on lavish furniture.

'When I first saw the desk, its high price and then the fact that it had been brought by Suffolk County Council – I was just so shocked,' he said.

'It just seems such a massive amount of money to spend at a time of cuts.

'To me it seems like the council still have money to burn while people are losing their jobs.'

Mr Marney added: 'It is just shocking – surely there must have been a cheaper version.'

And he is right. A wooden office desk was found at the nearby British Heart Foundation in St Matthews Street for just �35.

The council confirmed that the desk had been bought by Crabbe Street Residential Care Home, but said that they had paid at least �150 less than the advertised price.

The desk will be used to safely house important documents.

A Suffolk County Council spokesperson said: 'The desk was purchased by Crabbe Street Residential Care Home, which specialises in caring for older people with dementia.

'The desk is to be used in the reception area of the home where it will be used by residents, families and staff and will replace the one which has served the home for the past 15 years.

'A competitive price was negotiated with the supplier.'