A CASH-strapped Scots council that tried to flog its prized registration plate to singer Harry Styles has failed to sell it after two years.
In January 2023, East Renfrewshire Council announced that it hoped to raise a six-figure sum for its coffers by offloading the HS0 plate on its official car.
It claimed that showbiz millionaires like the former One Direction star would be prepared to shell out to place it on their limo. Another candidate it identified – somewhat far-fetched – was double Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank.
But a Freedom of Information request has revealed there have been no takers and little in the way of any imminent sale.
An opposition councillor accused the local authority of a cheap ‘publicity stunt’ and doubted if there was ever any real intention to the plan, other than to generate favourable headlines.
At a council meeting, East Ren’s Labour leader Owen O’Donnell even described the move as ‘genius’.
But – with no added income from the provost’s plate – his council is now facing a £15 million deficit in its budget and has recently considered charging the vulnerable and elderly for home visits.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said:“The pointless PR stunt is looking more and more ridiculous with each passing day.
